Best Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe You Need to Try

Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies offer the perfect balance of buttery dough, crispy edges, and melty pockets of rich chocolate. With Ghirardelli’s premium chocolate chips, every bite delivers a decadent experience. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Stir in the Ghirardelli chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts.

7. Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.

9. Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
• Experiment with different types of Ghirardelli chocolate, such as milk or dark chocolate chips.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy Every Bite!

These Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies are a treat for all occasions, from casual get-togethers to indulgent snacks. Serve them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for the perfect pairing.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

This Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe combines rich, buttery dough with the finest chocolate chips for a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With soft centers, crisp edges, and bursts of premium Ghirardelli chocolate, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Stir in the Ghirardelli chocolate chips and, if desired, chopped walnuts or pecans.

7. Portion the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.

9. Cool on a Wire Rack

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
• Swap in Ghirardelli milk or dark chocolate chips for variety.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy Every Bite!

Serve these Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these cookies will be a hit!

Tips for the Best Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow these expert tips to ensure your Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, with the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and presentation.

1. Use Quality Ingredients

• Butter: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for a rich, buttery taste. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to create a smooth dough.
• Fresh Baking Soda: Ensure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can result in flat cookies.

2. Measure Accurately

• Spoon and Level: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dense cookies.

3. Chill the Dough

• Thicker Cookies: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances their texture.

4. Don’t Overmix the Dough

• Soft Texture: Overmixing can over-develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

5. Use Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips for Best Results

• Even Melting: Ghirardelli chocolate chips melt beautifully, giving you rich, gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the cookies. Experiment with semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate varieties.

6. Space the Dough Balls Evenly

• Proper Spreading: Place dough balls at least 2 inches apart to prevent them from merging as they bake.

7. Watch the Baking Time Carefully

• Perfect Doneness: Bake the cookies just until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

8. Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Mat

• Crisp Edges: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes even baking, leading to beautifully crisp edges.

9. Customize with Add-ins

• Get Creative: Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty combo, or mix in extra ingredients like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or dried fruit.

10. Store for Freshness

• Airtight Storage: Keep cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain softness, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps retain moisture.

By following these tips, you’ll bake Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor every time. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share these delicious treats with family and friends!

Variations on Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies

Try these creative twists to transform your Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies into something unique while keeping their rich, chocolatey goodness.

1. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Add Cocoa Powder: Replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for an extra-chocolatey dough.
• Use Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Chips: Intensify the flavor with dark chocolate chips for a richer treat.

2. Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Add Caramel Bits: Mix in caramel bits along with the chocolate chips.
• Top with Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Swap Butter with Peanut Butter: Replace half the butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist.
• Mix in Chopped Peanuts: Add crunch by stirring in chopped peanuts along with the chocolate chips.

4. White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Cookies

• Use Ghirardelli White Chocolate Chips: Replace the semi-sweet chips with white chocolate for a creamy flavor.
• Add Macadamia Nuts: Stir in macadamia nuts for a delicious, buttery crunch.

5. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Add Rolled Oats: Substitute ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewy, hearty texture.
• Optional Add-ins: Include raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor.

6. Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Add Mint Extract: Replace the vanilla extract with mint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Use Ghirardelli Mint Chocolate Chips: For an extra minty boost, swap in mint-flavored chocolate chips.

7. Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Add Espresso Powder: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder into the dough to complement the chocolate flavor.
• Double Chocolate: Pair with Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips for an indulgent coffee-chocolate combo.

8. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use Plant-Based Butter: Swap the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil.
• Egg Replacement: Replace eggs with flaxseed or applesauce.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips: Use Ghirardelli’s non-dairy chocolate chips for a fully vegan treat.

9. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use Gluten-Free Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Ensure Gluten-Free Add-ins: Confirm that other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are gluten-free.

10. Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Festive Mix-ins: Add red and green candies or peppermint bark pieces to your dough.
• Holiday Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cookies a seasonal flair.

These variations on Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies will keep your baking fresh, fun, and flavorful. Whether you prefer a double chocolate indulgence or a healthy twist, there’s a version here for every taste and occasion.

Storing Your Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies

Proper storage ensures your Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies stay fresh, soft, and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them effectively, whether you plan to enjoy them right away or save them for later.

1. Storing at Room Temperature

• Airtight Container: Place cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
• Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Add a Slice of Bread: To retain moisture, place a slice of bread in the container. Replace the bread as it becomes stale.
• Shelf Life: Cookies stored at room temperature stay fresh for about 5 days.

2. Refrigerating Your Cookies

• Chill for Longer Freshness: Store cookies in the fridge if you need them to last a little longer.
• Seal Well: Use an airtight container or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Bring to Room Temperature: Let cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Shelf Life: Refrigerated cookies can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

3. Freezing Cookies

• Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before freezing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap Individually: Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in freshness.
• Use a Freezer Bag or Container: Place the wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track.
• Freeze for Up to 3 Months: Frozen cookies will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.

4. Reheating Frozen Cookies

• Thaw at Room Temperature: Let cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm in the Oven: For a freshly baked feel, heat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Option: For a quick fix, microwave cookies for 10-15 seconds, but watch carefully to avoid overheating.

Pro Tip: Freeze the Dough

• Make-Ahead Option: If you prefer fresh-baked cookies, freeze pre-portioned dough balls instead of baked cookies.
• How to Bake from Frozen: Place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

By following these storage tips, you can keep your Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies tasting fresh and delicious, whether you enjoy them today or weeks from now!

FAQs

Are Ghirardelli chocolate chips worth it?

Yes! Ghirardelli chocolate chips are known for their high quality, rich flavor, and smooth texture. They contain a higher percentage of cocoa butter, which gives them a creamy, indulgent taste. Many bakers prefer them for the consistent results they provide in cookies and other desserts.

How to make Ghirardelli cookie mix better?

To enhance Ghirardelli cookie mix, try these tips:

• Add Vanilla Extract: Boost the flavor with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make thicker, chewier cookies.
• Use Butter Instead of Oil: If the recipe allows, swap oil with softened butter for a richer taste.
• Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance.
• Mix in Extra Chocolate Chips or Nuts: Elevate your cookies with chopped nuts or more Ghirardelli chocolate chips.

Is dark chocolate good for cookies?

Yes! Dark chocolate chips, especially those from Ghirardelli, are an excellent choice for cookies. They offer a deeper, less sweet flavor, balancing well with the sweetness of cookie dough. Dark chocolate also melts beautifully, creating delicious gooey pockets in the cookies.

What are the ingredients in Ghirardelli chocolate chips?

The ingredients in Ghirardelli chocolate chips typically include:

• Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips: Sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, and lecithin (an emulsifier).
• Milk Chocolate Chips: Sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, and vanilla.
• Ghirardelli uses high-quality ingredients with no added artificial flavors or preservatives, contributing to their superior taste.

Conclusion: Bake with Ghirardelli for Exceptional Cookies

Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect combination of buttery dough, rich chocolate, and crisp edges with soft centers. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore exciting variations like double chocolate, oatmeal, or salted caramel, every bite will be a delightful experience. For chocolate lovers, try pairing these cookies with a sweet Chocolate Gravy or dive into the world of hybrid desserts like the Brookie for an extra indulgent treat.

With premium Ghirardelli chocolate chips, your cookies will always turn out flavorful, gooey, and irresistible. Small tips—like chilling the dough, measuring ingredients accurately, and experimenting with add-ins—can elevate your baking. And if you’re craving more, serve cookies with a Philadelphia Cheesecake or make a summer delight like the Eskimo Pie.

So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of homemade cookies. Once you bake with Ghirardelli, there’s no going back! Enjoy every bite and happy baking!

For ingredients and helpful resources, explore Amazon and AllRecipes.