Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies: Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind!
Chocolate chip cookies. A timeless classic. But what if we dared to take them beyond the ordinary? What if we ventured into a realm of outrageous flavors, textures, and sizes? This blog post is dedicated to those who crave the extraordinary, the decadent, the utterly unforgettable chocolate chip cookie experience. Prepare to have your mind blown by these outrageous recipes!
Why Outrageous?
We’re not talking about your grandma’s chocolate chip cookies (unless your grandma is secretly a culinary genius!). Outrageous chocolate chip cookies push the boundaries of what you thought a cookie could be. They might be:
* Enormous: Think palm-sized delights that require two hands to handle.
* Overloaded: Stuffed with so many chocolate chips, nuts, candies, and other goodies that they barely hold their shape.
* Unexpectedly Flavored: Infused with spices, extracts, or even savory elements for a surprisingly complex taste.
* Texturally Challenging: A symphony of crispy edges, chewy centers, and gooey pockets of chocolate.
Ready to embark on this delicious adventure? Let’s dive into some outrageous chocolate chip cookie recipes that will leave you craving more.
Recipe 1: The Colossal Chocolate Chunk Cookie
This recipe is all about size. We’re talking about a cookie that’s practically a meal in itself. Perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks (not chips!)
* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chunks and Nuts (if using): Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and nuts (if using). Even distribution is key.
7. Form Colossal Cookies: Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, drop large mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between each cookie. These cookies will spread quite a bit.
8. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up and prevents them from breaking.
Tips for Success:
* Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is essential for creaming properly with the sugars. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream well. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too much.
* Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* Use Chocolate Chunks: Chocolate chunks create pockets of melty chocolate that are far more satisfying than chocolate chips.
* Underbake Slightly: Underbaking slightly ensures a soft and chewy center.
Recipe 2: The Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Explosion
Sweet and salty unite in this decadent cookie. The addition of salted caramel takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup milk chocolate chips
* 1 cup salted caramel bits (or chopped caramel candies, sprinkled with sea salt)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and salted caramel bits. Be generous with the fillings!
7. Drop by Rounded Tablespoons: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Don’t overbake them.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
* Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: The quality of the chocolate chips will significantly impact the flavor of the cookies.
* Salted Caramel is Key: The salted caramel adds a wonderful depth of flavor that balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
* Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Aim for a slightly soft center.
Recipe 3: The Spicy Mexican Chocolate Chip Fiesta
This recipe introduces a kick of spice to the classic chocolate chip cookie. The addition of cinnamon and chili powder creates a warm and intriguing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon chili powder
* ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
7. Drop by Rounded Tablespoons: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
* Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* Use High-Quality Spices: Freshly ground spices will have the best flavor.
* Pair with Ice Cream: These cookies are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe 4: The Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Chocolate Chip Monster
What’s more outrageous than stuffing a chocolate chip cookie with a peanut butter cup? This recipe is a peanut butter lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup peanut butter chips
* 1 package (approx. 14) miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.
7. Assemble the Cookies: Scoop a large tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a miniature peanut butter cup in the center. Top with another tablespoon of dough and gently press the edges together to seal the peanut butter cup inside.
8. Drop onto Baking Sheet: Place the assembled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
* Work Quickly: The peanut butter cups will melt if exposed to heat for too long. Assemble the cookies quickly and bake them immediately.
* Seal the Peanut Butter Cup: Make sure the peanut butter cup is completely sealed inside the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
* Use Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Full-size peanut butter cups will be too large for these cookies.
Recipe 5: The Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Chocolate Chip Cookie
This recipe is for the truly adventurous baker. It’s a hodgepodge of flavors and textures that somehow works beautifully together. Get ready for a wild ride!
Ingredients:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* ½ cup white chocolate chips
* ½ cup butterscotch chips
* ½ cup chopped pretzels
* ½ cup chopped potato chips
* ½ cup shredded coconut
* ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts)
* ¼ cup toffee bits
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Everything Else: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, pretzels, potato chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and toffee bits. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will be a chunky dough!
7. Drop by Rounded Tablespoons: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
* Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is all about using what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences.
* Chop Ingredients Finely: Chopping the pretzels, potato chips, and nuts into small pieces will ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie.
* Embrace the Chaos: This cookie is meant to be a little bit crazy. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Just have fun with it!
General Tips for Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies
No matter which outrageous recipe you choose, these general tips will help you achieve cookie perfection:
* Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your cookies. Use good quality butter, chocolate, and other ingredients.
* Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Measure your ingredients accurately, especially flour.
* Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes or longer can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
* Bake at the Right Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking the cookies. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
* Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
* Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
Storage Tips
To keep your outrageous chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a collection of outrageous chocolate chip cookie recipes that are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re craving a colossal cookie, a sweet and salty explosion, a spicy fiesta, or a peanut butter-stuffed monster, there’s a recipe here for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your own outrageous flavor combinations. Happy baking!