There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of a Doubletree chocolate chip cookie. Every time I take a bite, I’m reminded why these cookies have such a loyal following. The perfect blend of sweet chocolate chunks and a slightly crispy edge makes them irresistible.
Recreating this classic treat at home is easier than you might think. I’ve spent countless afternoons perfecting this copycat recipe, ensuring each cookie captures that signature Doubletree magic. Whether you’re baking for friends or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Tools And Equipment
To recreate the perfect Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookie, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable:
Mixing Essentials
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A stand mixer is my go-to for creaming butter and sugars to that ideal fluffy texture. If you prefer, a sturdy hand mixer works well too.
- Large Mixing Bowls: I use at least two bowls—one for the wet ingredients and another for the dry. This helps keep everything organized and prevents overmixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking. Make sure you have a set of dry and liquid measuring cups, along with accurate measuring spoons.
Baking Tools
- Baking Sheets: Heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheets are essential for even baking and preventing spills. I like to have a couple on hand to rotate cookies for uniformity.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These liners make clean-up a breeze and help cookies bake evenly without sticking.
- Cooling Racks: Allowing cookies to cool on racks prevents them from becoming soggy and keeps them crispy on the edges.
Preparation Items
- Spatula: A flexible rubber spatula is perfect for scraping batter from bowls and ensuring every bit is used.
- Cookie Scoops or Spoons: For uniform cookies, I use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough consistently.
- Measuring Scale (Optional): For the most accurate measurements, especially with dry ingredients, a kitchen scale can be incredibly helpful.
Additional Tools
- Oven Thermometer: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for perfect baking. Oven temperatures can vary, and a thermometer helps maintain consistency.
- Wire Whisk: Ideal for combining dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of baking soda and salt.
- Electric Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check doneness without damaging the cookies, this tool is a baker’s secret weapon.
With these tools and equipment at your disposal, you’ll be well-prepared to master the Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookie copycat recipe and enjoy delicious, bakery-quality cookies right from your own kitchen.
Directions
Follow these steps to create delicious Doubletree-style chocolate chip cookies right in your kitchen. Each phase ensures the perfect texture and flavor you crave.
Prepare The Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened, with 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar and 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar.
- Use a stand or hand mixer on medium speed to cream the mixture until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until the dough is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Nuts
- Fold in 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if desired, 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans or walnuts using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Chill The Dough
- Prepare for Chilling
- Divide the dough into two equal portions for easier handling.
- Shape each portion into a flat disk, about 2 inches thick.
- Refrigerate
- Wrap each dough disk tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
Bake The Cookies
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven racks in the center.
- Prepare Baking Sheets
- Line your heavy-duty baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Portion the Dough
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
- Place the scoops onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time for even results.
- Cool
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool completely, allowing them to set and develop their signature gooey texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing your Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookie dough ahead of time ensures you always have these delicious treats ready whenever the craving strikes. Here’s how I make the process seamless and maintain that perfect gooey texture and rich chocolate flavor:
Preparing the Dough in Advance
- Mix and Chill the Dough
After combining all the ingredients, shape the dough into individual portions. I find it helpful to form each portion into a disk and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store the Dough
- Refrigerate: Place the wrapped dough disks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop further.
- Freeze: For longer storage, lay the dough disks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen dough can be stored for up to 2 months.
Baking from Make-Ahead Dough
When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough from the refrigerator or freezer:
- From the Refrigerator: Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.
- From the Freezer: Allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Proceed with the baking instructions as usual. This method ensures your cookies bake evenly with that signature Doubletree softness and crisp edges.
Storing Baked Cookies
If you prefer to bake in advance, storing the cookies properly is key to maintaining their fresh taste:
- At Room Temperature: Keep the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This preserves their chewy texture and rich flavor.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Make-Ahead Summary
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate Dough | Up to 3 days | Keep dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap |
| Freeze Dough | Up to 2 months | Portion dough before freezing |
| Store Baked Cookies | Up to 1 week | Use airtight containers |
| Freeze Baked Cookies | Up to 3 months | Freeze in single layers first |
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can effortlessly enjoy freshly baked Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies anytime, perfect for unexpected guests or a quick sweet treat for yourself.
Storage Tips
Keeping your Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious is easy with these storage tips. As a chef who loves perfecting recipes, I’ve found the best methods to maintain their gooey texture and rich flavor.
Storing Baked Cookies
To keep your cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Here’s how:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes to prevent moisture buildup.
- Layer with Parchment: Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Choose the Right Container: Use a container that seals tightly to keep air out.
- Store Properly: Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Follow these steps to freeze your cookies effectively:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before freezing.
- Prepare for Freezing: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cookies in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to Freezer Bags: Once frozen, move the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Label and Date: Use a marker to label the bags with the date for easy tracking.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 weeks |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Thawing and Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw and reheat them for the best taste:
- Thawing: Remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Reheating: For a freshly baked feel, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
I love experimenting with different ways to enjoy these Doubletree-inspired chocolate chip cookies. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas to elevate your cookie experience:
Classic Pairings
Serve your warm, gooey cookies alongside a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture of the milk perfectly complements the rich chocolate and buttery dough, creating a timeless combination that’s sure to delight.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
For an extra indulgent treat, pair your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Simply place the ice cream between two cookies and gently press them together. The soft ice cream melds beautifully with the chewy cookie for a delightful dessert.
Coffee and Tea Time
These cookies make a wonderful accompaniment to your favorite hot beverages. Whether you’re sipping on a robust coffee or a soothing cup of tea, the sweet and crunchy cookies enhance the overall flavor experience.
Dessert Platters
Create an impressive dessert platter by arranging the cookies with other sweets like brownies, macarons, and fruit. This variety offers something for everyone and makes for a stunning presentation at gatherings or special occasions.
Decorative Twists
Add a touch of elegance by drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies. You can also sprinkle them with a bit of sea salt to accentuate the flavors and provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Ice Cream Bowls
Crush a few cookies and use them as a crunchy topping for ice cream bowls or parfaits. This adds texture and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to your favorite frozen treats.
Gifting Ideas
Package your freshly baked cookies in decorative tins or mason jars for a thoughtful homemade gift. Personalize the packaging with a ribbon or a handwritten note to make it even more special for friends and family.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy baking these delicious cookies as much as I do. There’s something special about creating a comforting treat right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging on your own, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Give the recipe a try and let me know how they turn out. Happy baking!
