cook's illustrated ultimate chocolate chip cookie (aka -my favorite chocolate chip cookie!)

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.

Step 3

Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 4

Once melted, continue to cook while continuously swirling the pan until the butter is a dark brown color and has a nutty aroma (about 1-3 minutes).

Step 5

Once it’s reached this point, pour butter immediately into a stand mixer (or mixing bowl) and add remaining 4 tablespoons butter beating until all the butter is melted and combined.

Step 6

To this mixture add sugar, salt, vanilla egg and egg yolk beating until smooth with no lumps.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Gently fold in flour mixture until just combined.

Step 9

Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using then stir once more to ensure no flour pockets remain.

Step 10

Using a cookie scoop, combine 2 scoops (about 3 tablespoons of dough) and roll into a ball placing on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart.

Step 11

Bake cookies 1 tray at a time for 5 minutes, rotate tray and cook for another 5-7 minutes (until edges are lightly browned but center is soft).

Step 12

Cool on a wire cooling rack until they are firm enough to pick up (about 5-10 minutes) then repeat the above step with second tray of cookies.