How to Make: Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

By Jen

I'm no expert when it comes to baking, but I do think I've mastered the art of making the perfect chocolate chip cookie. It doesn't really matter if you're using a recipe on the back of a bag of chips or a more complex method that requires you freeze the dough for at least 24 hours (I'm sorry, but that's just too fussy for me), here are some simple tips that will guarantee you end up with the most perfect cookie -- equal parts crisp and chewy -- straight out of the oven.

1. Calibrate your oven.

Most recipes call for a 350-degree oven, but most ovens run a few degrees hot or cool, and if you know your oven is off, you can adjust the dial accordingly. Invest in an internal oven thermometer. They range in price from $5-20. I like this one:

MIU Commercial Oven Thermometer, $15

We checked our previous oven (before converting from electric to gas), and it was off by 15 degrees! Truly, that can make it or break it, when it comes to baking.

2. Use a Silpat baking mat.

It's drilled into our heads that we must use cookie sheets to bake cookies. I mean, they're called cookie sheets, for crying out loud. But, a cookie sheet alone doesn't always cut it, I've found. I bought my husband a Silpat baking mat a few years ago for the purpose of making parmesan curls, or some sort of culinary nonsense he was into at the time. We started using it for cookie baking, and we've never looked back.

DeMerle Silpat Baking Mat, $16

I don't know the science behind the silicone (I'm sure my food science husband could tell you, though), but whatever it is, it's like magic. The dough never spreads into other cookies. The bottoms never burn. I cannot recommend using a silicone baking mat enough. (Pretty sure I've crossed over into bully territory, actually.)

Edited to add: You will still need some sort of cookie or baking sheet. The silicone mat goes on top, but you don't need any non-stick spray or grease. The mat does all the work!

3. Measure the dough.

Most recipes tell you to drop a "spoonful" of dough onto the cookie sheet. But what's a spoonful? A teaspoon? A tablespoon? What? When you go with this vague method of measurement, you're guaranteed to see your cookies running into each other. Instead, try using a butter scoop to portion out the dough balls. Not only will your cookies come out the same size, your hands will stay clean, too.

OXO Good Grips Cookie Scoop, $12

(Though, the scoop won't prevent cookie dough from entering your pie hole. Ahem.)

Lastly, my favorite, go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe is from Smitten Kitchen.

Crispy Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Though, forget about greasing the cookie sheet or using parchment paper as she suggests. Substitute a silicone baking mat. (See? BULLY.)

{All images, Amazon.com}

Comments

[Stephanie]

This may be a silly question, but do you put the silpat on top of the cookie sheet? Otherwise it seems pretty flimsy and I can see myself dumping freshly baked cookies all over the bottom of the oven when pulling it out.

[Jen]

Oh my goodness, YES! I should've mentioned that in the post, and I'm going to edit that in now. Thanks!

[rebecca]

I love your suggestions!

I could talk about chocolate chip cookies for hours...like refrigerating for 24 hours helps a caramel-like flavor come out...or how i smash up peppermints and put them 9n the dough at christmas...or how leaving out the chocolate chips is super yummy...

[RocketJaz]

You are so absolutely right about oven temps. Thanks for the reminder to pick up a good oven thermometer. You should do a post about those awesome homemade ginormous Oreo-type cookies. :o)

[Mom]

Well, now you know what to get me for Christmas.. all of the above mentioned items!

[nanette]

Love these tips! Reminds me that I really need to start using the silipat I bought forever ago.

[Tracy]

I'm a pretty good baker, but I've never been fully satisfied with any chocolate chip cookie recipe I've tried. I've been searching for that perfect cookie for years. I'll look into the temperature issue. My mother-in-law made the best chocolate chip cookies. She swore she just used the Nestle Tollhouse recipe, but she LIED to me, because when I use that recipe I don't get her cookies!