Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

prep time:: 45 minutes
total time:: 45 minutes, plus 24 hours for chilling

Makes 1-1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies

I chose to make these cookies for the exchange because my sweet sister shared this unique recipe with me. I was intrigued by the use of both cake and bread flour, as well as the addition of course sea salt on top. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

ingredients

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons (8-1/2 oz.) cake flour
1 2/3 cups (8-1/2 oz.) bread flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1-1/4 cups) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (10 oz.) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. (8 oz.) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp. natural vanilla extract
1 1/4 lbs. bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60% cacao content
sea salt

directions

1
Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
2
Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds.
3
Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
4
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.
5
Scoop 6 3-1/2 ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes.
6
Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day.
7
Eat warm with a big napkin!