David Lebovitz's Chocolate Chip Cookies

June 9, 2011

So I'm going to go ahead and be one of those people who talk about their cats. I've resisted thus far, but it's time to introduce the world to Niles. He's quirky and wise, and I think you'll love him as much as I do...almost. I'm convinced that he's not only an acrobat hidden inside a 'big-boned' ball of fluff, he's also a mind-reader. Niles goes by 2 names, so it's a miracle that he's so intuitive and balanced. When we first rescued him as a kitten from an animal shelter, he was so tiny. I know kittens are generally tiny, but he's a Maine Coon...he was supposed to be big for his age. Because of his wee size, and because Frasier was my favourite show at the time, I named him Niles. Well, it didn't take long for Niles to outgrow his namesake, and soon he took on the appearance, and persona, of a Saint Bernard puppy.

One night, as I was watching '102 Dalmatians', there was a hysterical scene in which Gérard Depardieu's character asked "Where are the poopies?!" For some reason I couldn't stop laughing. I'm not talking just a giggle, it was a gut-ripping, milk-coming-out-the-nose, kind of laughing. My face was beet red, I couldn't breathe, and Niles was sprawled out on his back ( a position only accomplished by dogs or fat cats ) and glaring at me though the tufts of his back feet. At that moment I began referring to him as Poopie. It drives my mom nuts when I call for him out-loud during the summer, when all the windows are open. He also comes running if I say 'eee' 'eee'. which is my pitiful attempt at making his toy mice sound more life-like...I'm aware that's he's humoring me. Anyway, Niles/Poopie, is the bestest cat in the world.

The other morning, I was in my usual panic mode (I usually will find something to worry about within 10 minutes of being awake.) This time, I think I was freaking out over all the odd referring spam or food photographers-block...who knows? When I freak out over something, I hold it all in, which I know is very healthy. But Niles always knows somethings up. He sits at my side (never directly in front of me) and just stares at me with knowing eyes. If I wait long enough, he'll put one of his chubby paws on my leg (which btw, is also on the chubby side after eating so many of these cookies.) He never fails to cheer me up. All he wants is for me to be happy and to have the left side of his chin rubbed. Talk about low maintenance. If cats could eat cookies, I'd serve these to Niles/Poopie every day of the week. They're that spectacular!

These chocolate chip cookies are slice'n'bakes. That's great if you love the ease of that method, but if you're a neurotic perfectionist, it means pulling out the ruler and trying not to get it too doughy (something I give up on about a quarter of the way through.) Measuring aside, these are one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've had. Really, they are. And I do realize that I say this about almost every c.c.cookie recipe. Every recipe that I love, results in cookies that are soft, chewy, and have a happily equal cookie to dough ratio. They all sound the same, yet they're each unique. The texture of these cookies is wonderful. You can run your tongue through the middle of one and feel a sandy softness just before an encounter with a chocolate chunk. Perfection. Oh, in case you're wondering what those lighter chunks are in my pictures, I ran out of regular baking chocolate and threw in some chopped Toblerone!

Chocolate Chip Cookies (from Ready for Dessert, by David Lebovitz)) Print

2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (plus a bit more for surface flouring)
3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs, at room temperature
14 ounces of coarsely chopped dark/bittersweet chocolate (about 3 cups of chocolate chips)
(optional) 2 cups of your favourite kind of nut, toasted and coarsely chopped

Don't worry about cranking up the oven, you won't need it just yet.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking Soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment ( a hand-held mixer will work too), beat together the butter, both sugars, and vanilla on medium speed just until smooth (about 3-5 minutes.)
Beat in the eggs on at a time until thoroughly incorporated (about 1 minute per egg.)
Stop the mixer, and grab a large wooden spoon or an equally large rubber spatula.
Stir in the flour mixer. As soon as all the white flour streaks have disappeared, stir in the chocolate chunks and nuts (if using.)
Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, and shape each one into a log that's roughly about 9-inches long. [Note: don't worry if they're not perfect, they're just cookies.]
Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours (sorry.)
After the long waiting period, Divide the oven into thirds and preheat to 350°F. [Note: be sure to do this in the logical order. I didn't.] Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove one of the logs from the fridge and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice it into 3/4-inch thick cookies. [Note: if you're neurotic, you may use a ruler. I did.]
Repeat with the other logs.
Place the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3-inches of space between each one.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating the pans at the half-way point. Their centers should only be slightly brown, and they may look under-baked.

Makes about 48 cookies


  1. They look amazing! I've never made chocolate chip cookies. This might be a good opportunity to try.

  2. Chopped Toblerone ... no wonder you loved these cookies! They look amazing. (Oh, and it was nice to meet Niles too.)

  3. Gorgeous cookies! I'd love to eat one noe with my tea.

    Your kitty is extremely cute!

    Like you, I tend to panic easily... :/



  4. Okay, there's nothing wrong with talking about your cat :) I am a serious cat lover too. Your cat is adorable!! I want to squeeze him!!! What gorgeous fur he has too.

    As for your cookies, they look like a delicious classic. Those chunks of chocolate make me drool..

  5. Gorgeous cookies. I totally applaud the use of the Toblerone. ;)

    Beautiful keetums.

  6. David Lebovitz does know a thing or two about chocolate!

  7. He's my baking icon (one of many.) :D

  8. I always thought that slice and bake cookies would be drier and crisper, but I'm very happy that that's not the case! I can't believe you measured, though.
    Gorgeous kitty--I was just saying to a friend the other day that I wanted to get a cat.

  9. I am sure that Poopie would love these cookies, even just a nibble. Val

  10. Oh, Dear!! Another CCC to add to my quest. THESE look FANTASTIC!!!

    Cats always know!!


  12. Yum! These cookies look awesome. David Lebovitz is a master!!

    Your cat sounds really cute! I've always wanted a pet, but I'm more of a dog person. Sadly, I have neither :(

  13. I love sweets, these look fantastic!! Your kitty is beautiful, lots of combing there :)

  14. @Ellie,
    You're so right about that. Thankfully, Niles loves to be brushed and will come running as soon as he hears a certain drawer opening. :D

  15. Nothing wrong with introducing Niles to your blog. Since chocolate is bad for animals, I would be happy to eat his share.

  16. your story made me LOL literally. gosh, your story-telling is perfect and i'd be happy to hear more about Poppie/Niles any day!

    these cookies look to-die-for!

  17. They are just amazing! The best cookies i've ever made! Thank you for the recipe



Happy Baking!
♥ Valerie

