The World's Best Chocolate Chip Cookie

(and edible cookie dough!)

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This is an amazing cookie. Browning the butter not only makes mixing much easier and faster, it adds a tremendous amount of flavor.  I would love to take credit for this recipe but I can't. It comes from America's Test Kitchen. The best cooking show ever, in my opinion.  Pay attention to the size of the dough balls. Too small and they are all crunch, too big and its won't cook in the middle. 

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If you want to make these into edible dough leave out the egg and substitute in about 1.5 tablespoons of butter. Id also leave out the baking soda, but that's up to you. it won't hurt you, it's just salty and acidic.

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INGREDIENTS

1. • 1-3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

   • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

   • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter

   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

   • 3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar

   • 1 teaspoon table salt

   • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

   • 1 large egg

   • 1 large egg yolk

   • 1-1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

   • 3/4 cup chopped pecans or chopped toasted walnuts (optional)

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PREPARATION

1. 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 large (18- by 12-inch) baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.

   2. Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and, using heatproof spatula, transfer browned butter to large heatproof bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.

   3. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using), giving dough final stir to ensure no flour pockets remain.

   4. Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tablespoons (or use #24 cookie scoop). Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, 8 dough balls per sheet. (Smaller baking sheets can be used, but will require 3 batches.)

   5. Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack; cool cookies completely before serving.