We’ve all craved that perfect chocolate chip cookie and our Gold Medal recipe delivers just that. Inspired by timeless American baking traditions we’ve honed this version to win over crowds with its golden crunch and gooey center.
What sets it apart is the balance of simple ingredients that yield bakery-quality results every time. Whether you’re baking for family or a special occasion our foolproof method ensures these cookies earn top honors in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, we select high-quality, straightforward ingredients inspired by classic American baking traditions to ensure a golden crunch and gooey center that impresses every time.
To prepare these cookies, gather the following ingredients in the order we use them—starting with the wet components for creaming and moving to dry ones for mixing.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature for easy creaming and optimal texture.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, fine-grained for a crisp edge and to balance the cookie’s sweetness.
- Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed to add moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the gooey center.
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature to help bind ingredients and create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, pure variety for its authentic aroma and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups, sifted to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution in the dough.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, for a reliable rise and the signature golden color.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to amplify the chocolate flavors and balance sweetness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: 2 cups, high-quality for their melt-in-your-mouth quality that defines the cookie’s appeal.
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted for added crunch if desired.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe to life, we need the right tools for precise preparation and baking, ensuring every batch achieves that signature golden crunch and gooey center.
Essential Tools
For mixing and prepping our cookie dough, these fundamental items are crucial. We recommend the following to maintain accuracy and efficiency:
- Mixing bowls: Use at least two medium-sized stainless steel or glass bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet—to keep everything organized and prevent contamination.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Opt for a standard set of dry measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon) for exact measurements of flour, sugars, and extracts.
- Electric mixer or whisk: A handheld electric mixer for quick creaming of butter and sugars, or a sturdy wire whisk if you’re mixing by hand, to achieve the ideal texture.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula for scraping down bowl sides and folding in chocolate chips without damaging your tools.
Baking Essentials
- Baking sheets: At least two rimmed half-sheet pans (18×13 inches) made of heavy-duty aluminum for uniform heat distribution and to prevent warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone mats: Non-stick liners to line your baking sheets, making cleanup easy and cookies less likely to stick.
- Oven thermometer: A digital model to verify your oven’s temperature accuracy, as even slight variations can affect the cookies’ texture.
- Cooling rack: A wire rack to allow air circulation under baked cookies, helping them cool evenly and maintain that perfect chewiness.
Instructions
We walk you through our foolproof steps for baking gold medal chocolate chip cookies that boast a perfect golden crunch and gooey center using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined. Follow these precise instructions to create cookies that will delight with their buttery aroma and irresistible texture.
Prep
Before we begin, gather all ingredients and equipment to ensure smooth baking. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for even heat distribution and easy cleanup. Measure out 1 cup unsalted butter and let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve the ideal creamy consistency. In one medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined—this dry mix forms the foundation for our cookies’ structure and flavor.
Mix the Dough
Now we combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a rich, flavorful dough. In a second mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes—creating that signature chewy interior. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic boost. Gradually add the dry flour mixture from the first bowl, stirring with a silicone spatula until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough and keep it tender. Finally, fold in 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like ½ cup chopped walnuts for extra crunchy contrast, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough
To enhance the cookies’ flavor and prevent spreading, we chill the dough for optimal results. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using a spoon or your hands, then place them on a plate or baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours—this chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up, promising cookies with a perfectly crisp edge and soft center.
Bake
Once chilled, we’re ready to bake for that golden perfection. Arrange the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for even expansion. Bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft—use an oven thermometer to maintain accurate temperature and avoid overbaking. Rotate the sheets halfway through for uniform browning, filling your kitchen with the enticing scent of freshly baked chocolate.
Cool and Store
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set their shape and enhance chewiness. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely—about 10 minutes—preventing sogginess and preserving that crisp exterior. For storage, keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, maintaining their fresh-baked taste and texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is its flexibility for preparation in advance, allowing us to enjoy fresh-baked cookies with minimal effort on the day of serving. By planning ahead, we can enhance the flavors through chilling and ensure the dough maintains its signature golden crunch and gooey center. Let’s break down the steps to make this process straightforward and effective.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
To get started, we recommend mixing the dough as outlined in the previous steps, then following these guidelines for storage:
- Chilling the Dough: After combining the wet and dry ingredients, shape the dough into balls or keep it in a bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This step intensifies the flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking, giving us cookies with that perfect chewy texture.
- Freezing the Dough: For longer storage, we can freeze the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method lets us store the dough for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Baking from Make-Ahead Dough
When we’re ready to bake, thawing or baking directly from frozen ensures convenience without compromising results:
- From the Refrigerator: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Preheat the oven to 375°F as before, then bake the dough balls for 10-12 minutes until golden. This yields cookies with an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- From the Freezer: No need to thaw fully—place frozen dough balls on prepared baking sheets and bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes. We might add 1-2 minutes to the baking time for even cooking, ensuring the edges turn a beautiful golden brown while the centers stay soft.
Storage Tips and Guidelines
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness of our Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. Here’s a quick reference for make-ahead timelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep dough covered to prevent drying; use within this window for optimal texture. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Label containers with dates; thaw in fridge overnight if baking in portions. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we can effortlessly prepare batches of these Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookies for any occasion, maintaining their bakery-quality appeal with minimal last-minute effort.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve followed our guide to these Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’ve got the perfect balance of crunch and gooey goodness that’ll wow everyone.
It’s rewarding to bake treats that bring people together, and we’re sure this recipe will be your new staple for effortless, crowd-pleasing moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookies?
The key ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and semisweet chocolate chips. Optional add-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans can enhance crunch. Using high-quality ingredients ensures a perfect golden crunch and gooey center, inspired by classic American baking.
What equipment is required to make these cookies?
You’ll need two medium mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, a silicone spatula, heavy-duty baking sheets, non-stick liners like parchment paper, an oven thermometer, and a wire cooling rack. These tools help achieve even baking and the ideal texture for bakery-quality results.
How do I bake Gold Medal Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare baking sheets with liners. Mix wet ingredients (butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla) with dry ones (flour, baking soda, salt), then stir in chocolate chips. Chill the dough for better flavor, scoop onto sheets, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack to maintain chewiness.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. This enhances flavor and prevents spreading. When ready, bake chilled dough directly or thaw frozen dough slightly first, following the same baking instructions for fresh-tasting cookies with minimal effort.
How should I store the baked cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Proper storage maintains freshness, chewiness, and that signature golden crunch.
What makes these cookies special?
This recipe draws from classic American baking traditions, using simple, high-quality ingredients for a perfect golden crunch and gooey center. It’s foolproof, versatile for occasions, and includes options for add-ins, ensuring impressive results that rival bakery quality every time.