Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to chocolate chip cookies, there’s something undeniably special about Jacques Torres’ version. Known as “Mr. Chocolate,” Jacques Torres has perfected the art of the chocolate chip cookie, resulting in a treat that is crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside. This recipe combines high-quality ingredients to create a cookie that is rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies are a favorite among cookie lovers everywhere.
Why This Recipe Works
This Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is designed with a perfect balance of flours, fats, and sugars to achieve a cookie that is both delicious and satisfying. Using a combination of cake flour and bread flour gives the cookie a unique texture—cake flour contributes tenderness, while bread flour provides structure. The high butter content ensures rich flavor and a delightful chew, and the addition of both brown and granulated sugar creates a complex sweetness. Plus, the generous amount of chocolate chips adds that necessary indulgence.
What’s in the Bowl
- 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour (252 grams) – Adds tenderness and a light texture.
- 1 ½ cups bread flour (241 grams) – Provides structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Creates lift and helps the cookies spread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds extra leavening for a perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened (280 grams) – Richness and flavor.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (264 grams) – Adds moisture and a caramel flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (220 grams) – For sweetness and crispness.
- 2 large eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 cups chocolate chips, disks or chunks, semi-sweet or dark – The star of the show!
- Flaky sea salt, for topping – A finishing touch to enhance flavor.
Essential Tools for Success
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer – To cream the butter and sugars effectively.
- Baking sheets – Ensure even baking; use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop – For uniform cookie sizes.
- Cooling rack – To cool cookies evenly after baking.
Method: Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a stand mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to develop and improves the texture.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 9: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between each cookie.
Step 10: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.
Step 11: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 12: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfect Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!
Easy Ingredient Swaps
- Butter – Use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Brown sugar – Coconut sugar can be a great alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Eggs – Substitute with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
- Chocolate chips – Use white chocolate chips or a mix of your favorites for a twist.
Author’s Commentary
These Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies are a labor of love, and trust me, the wait is worth it! After refrigerating the dough, you’ll notice how it becomes easier to handle and how the flavors meld beautifully. The combination of flours and high-quality chocolate truly elevates this classic treat. Don’t skip the sea salt on top; it makes a world of difference, balancing the sweetness perfectly. I always recommend making a double batch because they disappear faster than you think!
How to Store & Reheat
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies Q&A
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake and bread flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour, you won’t achieve the same tender and chewy texture as with the combination of cake and bread flours. The unique blend is what makes these cookies special!
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling the dough allows the flavors to deepen and the cookies to spread perfectly while baking. It’s a crucial step that shouldn’t be skipped for the best results.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and complement the chocolate. Just be sure to adjust the chocolate chip amount if you’re adding nuts.
What kind of chocolate is best for these cookies?
For the richest flavor, use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, disks, or chunks. The better the chocolate, the better your cookies will taste!
Healthy-ish Favorites
See You at the Table
Now that you have the ultimate recipe for Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s time to gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in these sweet treats. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any gathering. Happy baking, and enjoy every delightful bite of your delicious creations!
Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a stand mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to develop and improves the texture.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between each cookie.
- Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfect Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!
Notes
- Chill the dough for 24 hours for best flavor and texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate for maximum flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
