Have you ever tasted a warm, gooey DoubleTree Hotel chocolate chip cookie? They’re a delight unlike any other! In this blog post, I’ll share my simple recipe so you can make these famous cookies at home. You’ll impress friends and family with every bite. From must-have ingredients to baking tips, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the sweet world of DoubleTree cookie magic!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To create the best DoubleTree Hotel chocolate chip cookies, gather these key ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a delightful twist)
Optional Ingredients
You can add a few optional ingredients to enhance your cookies. Consider using:
– 1 cup chopped nuts for extra crunch
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm flavor
– Sea salt for a sweet-salty balance
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to make some swaps, here are a few ideas:
– Use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
– Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different taste.
– Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
– Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips based on your taste.
Now you’re ready to gather your ingredients and start baking! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a delightful twist)
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each one. Stir in the vanilla extract, blending it evenly. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until there are no lumps.
Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix. Mix on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix. This step keeps your cookies soft. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if you want to add them.
Baking the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This space allows the cookies to spread while baking.
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges and soft centers. They should look slightly underbaked. This keeps them chewy.
Cooling and Storing Cookies
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up just a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To enjoy later, simply reheat the cookies in the oven or microwave.
For the complete recipe, be sure to check out the full recipe section!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cookie Texture
To get the best texture, use room-temperature butter. Cold butter does not mix well. This leads to lumpy dough. Mix your butter and sugars until creamy. This step adds air, making your cookies light and fluffy.
Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour. Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. Also, let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This helps flavors blend and gives a better texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One big mistake is skipping the parchment paper. This paper keeps cookies from sticking. If you forget it, you might ruin your cookies. Also, avoid baking on a hot pan. Always use a cool baking sheet for the next batch.
Another mistake is baking too long. Keep an eye on them. Cookies should look golden on the edges but stay soft in the middle. They will continue cooking after you take them out.
Enhancing Flavor with Add-ins
For a flavor boost, try adding nuts. Walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness. If you don’t like nuts, leave them out. You can also mix in dried fruit or toffee bits.
Consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. This makes the chocolate taste richer. You can even add spices like cinnamon for a warm twist. Just half a teaspoon can change the whole cookie!
For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Happy baking!
Variations
Nut-Free Version
To make a nut-free version of these cookies, simply skip the nuts. The cookies stay soft and rich without them. If you want some crunch, add a bit of oatmeal. It gives a nice texture.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for good structure. The cookies will still be soft and chewy. Keep an eye on the baking time; they may need a minute or two less.
Flavor Twists
You can add fun flavors to your cookies. Try adding mint extract for a fresh taste. You can also mix in peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor. For a different twist, add a bit of ground cinnamon. It gives a warm taste that pairs well with chocolate.
These variations let you enjoy the DoubleTree delight in new ways. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on making these cookies your own!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Cookies
To keep your DoubleTree cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you want them to stay soft, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will absorb moisture and keep your cookies chewy. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Freezing Cookies for Later
Freezing is a great way to save your cookies for later. To freeze, first let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Don’t forget to label it with the date! These cookies can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Stored Cookies
When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies again, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This warms them and brings back their soft texture. You can also use a microwave. Heat the cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them warm, just like you made them fresh!
FAQs
What makes DoubleTree’s cookies special?
DoubleTree cookies are special for their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor. They use a secret blend of ingredients, including brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. This mix adds depth and warmth to each bite. The semi-sweet chocolate chips melt perfectly, creating gooey pockets of chocolate. Each cookie also has a bit of love from the bakers, making them feel like a warm hug from home.
Can I purchase DoubleTree cookies?
Yes, you can buy DoubleTree cookies! Many locations sell them at the front desk. They often package them in nice boxes, perfect for gifts. You can also find recipes online if you want to make them at home. You can enjoy the same great taste by following the Full Recipe I provided. Baking your own cookies gives you the joy of fresh cookies any time you want.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies last about a week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their softness. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Frozen cookies can last up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you want to enjoy one. Make sure not to leave them out too long, as they can dry out quickly.
You now know how to make delicious cookies from start to finish. We covered the main ingredients and fun choices to add. I shared tips to improve texture and taste, plus ways to adapt for diets. You also learned how to store your cookies and keep them fresh. Remember, practice makes perfect. With these steps, you can bake cookies that impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking, and have fun experimenting with flavors!
