As I stirred the chocolate batter, a crash of cocoa and sugar delighted my senses, promising comfort in each chewy bite. Today, I’m excited to share Ina Garten’s Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, a true chocolate lover’s dream. These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up and offer the perfect balance between rich, deep chocolate flavor and delightful chewy texture. In just about 35 minutes, you’ll serve a batch that’s perfect for dunking in milk or paired with your favorite ice cream. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or simply treating yourself (because why not?), these cookies are sure to please. Are you ready to indulge in a sweet escape?
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Decadent Flavor: The deep chocolate flavor enriched by high-quality cocoa and generous chocolate chunks creates an indulgent experience that will have you savoring every bite.
Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are perfect for both the novice baker and experienced chef.
Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the combination of a chewy center and a slight crisp edge, mimicking the delightful experience of biting into a fudgy brownie.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with your favorite additions like nuts or different types of chocolate, ensuring a variety of flavors for any palate.
For other delicious ideas, don’t miss out on my Chocolate Christmas Sprinkle or Harvest Cookies Amp recipes that are sure to delight!
Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Light Brown Sugar – provides sweetness and moisture, giving a chewy texture; can swap with dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – sweetens the dough and aids in browning.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – enhances the cookie’s overall flavor; opt for pure for the best taste.
• Extra-Large Eggs – binds everything together while adding moisture; using regular large eggs is fine but may alter texture slightly.
• Good Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – creates that deep chocolate base; Dutch-process cocoa is recommended for an enriched flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – provides structure; be careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
• Baking Soda – acts as a leavening agent for fluffy cookies.
• Kosher Salt – balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chunks – adds an intense chocolate flavor and delightful texture; substitute with milk or dark chocolate if desired.
Feel free to whip up these irresistibly delicious cookies; they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they are ready for the delightful Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer, combine room temperature unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture at medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is essential for air incorporation, which helps achieve that perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add pure vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Beat in the extra-large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to mix for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fully blended and smooth, resulting in a rich and flavorful base for your chocolate cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, good unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and any remaining dry ingredients. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help your cookies rise perfectly without any lumps.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in your stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. The dough should look thick and luscious, infused with deep chocolate goodness.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chunks
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Folding ensures that the chocolate pieces remain intact and your cookies will have those delightful melty chunks in every bite of the Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 7: Sculpt the Cookie Dough
Drop generous dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. With slightly dampened hands, flatten each ball of dough slightly to ensure they spread evenly while baking. This will help achieve the perfect chewy texture and prevent them from rising too high.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 15 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft and slightly gooey. This time is crucial for creating that beautifully chewy consistency that makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a little before gently transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely to fully appreciate the rich flavors of the Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations and make this recipe your own!
- Milk Chocolate: Swap semisweet chunks for creamy milk chocolate for a sweeter treat that’s sure to please everyone.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chunks instead of semisweet for a more intense, slightly less sweet flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts with the chewy cookie dough.
- Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist, perfect for holiday baking.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected heat that pairs well with chocolate.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity punch that balances the richness of the chocolate.
- Coconut Flakes: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut for added texture and a hint of tropical flavor in each bite.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a generous swirl of creamy peanut butter to the dough before baking, creating a rich, nutty flavor blend.
For more sweet inspiration, check out my delicious Marble Chocolate Chip or festive Chocolate Christmas Sprinkle recipes!
Make Ahead Options
These Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing it as directed and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To ensure they stay fresh, cover the dough tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto baking sheets and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to help the cookies spread perfectly. If you want to go a step further, pre-scooped dough balls can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just bake them directly from frozen, adding an additional 2-3 minutes to the baking time. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious cookies ready at a moment’s notice!
How to Store and Freeze Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week; just note they may lose some chewiness.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough in pre-scooped balls, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time for the perfect Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Reheating: Warm individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, reviving their deliciously soft texture for a delightful treat anytime!
What to Serve with Ina Garten’s Double Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Indulging in these luscious cookies is just the beginning; let’s elevate your dessert experience with some delightful pairings.
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Cold Milk: Nothing beats the classic combo of freshly baked cookies and a chilled glass of milk, perfectly complementing the chocolate richness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing balance that melts beautifully over warm cookies for a decadent dessert.
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Hot Coffee: Brew a cup of your favorite coffee; its robust flavor contrasts delightfully with the sweetness of the cookies, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your cookies by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over them, adding an extra layer of indulgence and chocolatey bliss.
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Fresh Berries: A side of vibrant strawberries or raspberries introduces a fresh, tart note that cuts through the richness of the cookies, creating a tasty contrast.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the cookies before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing each bite.
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Coconut Milk: For a different twist, serve alongside chilled coconut milk, which brings a tropical creaminess that complements the deep chocolate taste.
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Chai Tea: Pair with a warm cup of chai tea, where the spices will harmonize beautifully with the indulgent chocolate, creating a cozy experience.
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Marshmallows: For a fun twist, toast some marshmallows and serve them with cookies for a s’mores-inspired treat that everyone will adore.
Expert Tips for Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Use Quality Cocoa: High-quality Dutch-processed cocoa elevates the chocolate flavor. Avoid generic brands for the best results.
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Perfect Baking Time: Bake precisely for 15 minutes. Overbaking will lead to drier cookies, losing that chewy texture we’re aiming for.
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Chill Dough for Shape: For distinctly shaped cookies, chill the scooped dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their form.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing may lead to tough cookies unworthy of this Ina Garten double chocolate chip cookies recipe.
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Cooling Time Matters: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring. This helps them set properly, leading to the ideal chewy consistency.
Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature, allowing it to cream smoothly with sugars. When selecting eggs, look for ones without cracked shells and check the expiration date for freshness. For semisweet chocolate chunks, opt for a brand you enjoy, as this will influence the cookie’s flavor significantly.
How should I store my cookies and for how long do they last?
Very important! Once your delightful cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, move them to the fridge where they can keep well for about 1 week. Just remember, they might lose a touch of that satisfying chewiness.
Can I freeze the cookie dough, and if so, how?
Of course! Freezing the dough is a fantastic idea. Simply scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the sheet into the freezer for about 30 minutes until they are firm, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-lock bag or an airtight container. They can be kept for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time and enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
What if my cookies turn out too dry?
Ah, the dreaded dry cookie! This can happen if too much flour is added or if they are overbaked. For the best outcome, make sure to measure your flour correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Also, adhere to the baking time precisely—15 minutes is key. If by chance they do turn out dry, you can enjoy them with a nice glass of milk for added moisture.
Are these cookies safe for pets, or do they contain any allergens?
Absolutely good question! These Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies contain common allergens such as eggs, butter, and wheat. The semisweet chocolate can also be harmful to dogs, so be sure to keep these treats away from your furry friends. If you have allergies in your household, consider substituting ingredients. For instance, use gluten-free flour to make them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy a cookie or two!
Irresistible Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, combine unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat at medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add pure vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix for another 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.
- Drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with dampened hands.
- Bake for exactly 15 minutes; edges should be set and centers soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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