Home-made Choc- Chip Cookies

I have been brooding through the entire day yesterday , as the current chaos surrounding folks health added with this horrible - horrible quarantine and it's limitations was just getting the better of me . It only make's things worse for all those of us sitting miles away from our parents or vice a versa. Quite honestly , I feel , by the end of this all , Covid 19 would have probably permanently changed all our lives . Right now , all one can really do is resign to the super powers and hope , in the heart of heart's , that he is listening ....

By evening , i desperately needed something positive to channelize all my energy into and this cookie making exercise , was the day saver for me . These thick bakery style chocolate chip cookies feature golden brown edges with decadent gooey centers. Also , it is a very easy recipe and can be made in 20 minutes , if you have done the preparation in advance. Also it needs no special ingredients , equipment or skill . So , before we start , let me share two of my most favorite cookie making tips with you :

How to stop cookies from spreading too much ?

The key to baking thick cookies is to use enough flour in the dough , so there’s not too much moisture .

Marinade a cookie dough !

Think of making your cookie dough like pre- marinading a steak - The flavor of the cookies will intensify - Also make sure the dough isn’t too warm - After assembling the ingredients into a dough , always pop them in the fridge to chill for an hour or so . The resulting cookies are more flavorful , thicker and chewier. Lets begin !

Things you will need ( Makes approx 20-24 cookies )

• 3 cups plain flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 100 gms butter, at room temperature

• 1 cup lightly packed light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 2 cups semi sweet dark chocolate chips

• 1 tsp cornflour

Steps to follow :

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line the baking tray with butter paper.

• In a medium bowl , sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and cornflour.

• In another large bowl , beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy - Add in the vanilla and eggs.

• Gradually beat in the flour mixture and stir in the chocolate chips , mix till you have a semi dough like consistency .

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours - This will allow the dough to “marinate” and makes the cookies more flavorsome .

• Post this , let dough sit at room temperature for 05 mins , just until it is soft enough to scoop. Divide the dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls using a large cookie scoop or a round ladel and place them onto the prepared baking trays .

• Bake for 15-20 minutes at 180 - or until golden brown.

• Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days .

Enjoy !