Mary Berry chocolate chip cookies recipe is easy, quick, and foolproof. It only requires a few basic ingredients and a few simple steps. The result is a batch of irresistible chocolate chip cookies that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are the best chocolate chip cookies you will ever taste.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s chocolate chip cookie recipe step by step, with tips and tricks along the way.
What is Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip cookies are a classic example of drop cookies, distinguished by their delightful texture and rich flavor. Crafted with a simple blend of butter, sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, and chocolate chips, these cookies are known for their ease of preparation and delicious outcome. What sets Mary Berry’s version apart is the use of self-raising flour, which incorporates baking powder and salt for a perfectly risen and evenly spread cookie, and light brown sugar, which imparts a caramel-like sweetness and moist texture. Ideal for bakers of all levels, these cookies promise a foolproof route to a treat that’s crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll love this recipe.
Here are some of them:
- Simplicity and Speed: With preparation and baking times each clocking in at just 10 minutes, this recipe is both fast and straightforward.
- Versatility: The recipe allows for customization with various types of chocolate chips or additional ingredients like nuts or dried fruits, catering to personal preferences.
- Delicious Outcome: Expect cookies that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a rich, buttery, and chocolatey flavor profile.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make Mary Berry chocolate chip cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) of unsalted butter, softened
- 75 g (2.6 oz) of light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 175 g (6.2 oz) of self-raising flour
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g (3.5 oz) of chocolate chips
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
To make Mary Berry chocolate chip cookies, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and line the baking sheet
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Alternatively, you can grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This will take about 5 minutes.
- Creaming the butter and sugar helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which makes the cookies lighter and softer.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and beat well until combined.
- The egg acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough. The vanilla extract adds flavor and aroma to the cookies.
Step 4: Add the flour, salt, and chocolate chips
- Sift the flour and salt over the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix the dough, as this will make the cookies tough and dense.
- Sifting the flour and salt helps to distribute them evenly and prevent lumps. Adding salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and mix well. You can use any type of chocolate chips you like, such as milk, dark, white, or semi-sweet. You can also use chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips.
Step 5: Drop the dough onto the baking sheet
- Using a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop, drop heaped spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. You should get about 16 cookies from this recipe.
- You can flatten the dough slightly with your fingers or a fork if you want thinner cookies. You can also shape the dough into balls or discs if you want rounder cookies.
Step 6: Bake the cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and slightly firm on the edges. The cookies will still be soft in the center, but they will harden as they cool.
- Baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them and check them frequently.
- Do not overbake the cookies, as they will become dry and crumbly.
Step 7: Cool the cookies
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cooling the cookies on the baking sheet helps them to set and firm up. Cooling them on a wire rack prevents them from getting soggy and allows them to crisp up.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Mary Berry chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with other things to make them even more enjoyable.
Here are some ideas:
- Dairy Delights: A cold glass of milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate complements the cookies beautifully.
- Tea Time: Serve alongside a cup of tea for a relaxing treat.
- Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Fresh Fruit: Pair with strawberries or bananas for a fresh contrast.
- Dessert Sauces: Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make perfect Mary Berry chocolate chip cookies, follow these pro tips:
- Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the right consistency.
- Sugar Selection: Use light brown sugar for its moisture and flavor; it’s key to the cookies’ chewy texture.
- Flour: Self-raising flour is essential for the cookies to rise properly. If unavailable, you can substitute with plain flour mixed with baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips to find your preferred flavor combination.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Chilling: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes to improve the cookies’ texture and flavor.
- Scooping: Use a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- Baking: Keep an eye on the cookies as oven temperatures can vary; they’re ready when golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking.
Variations of Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Experimenting with the base recipe can yield delightful variations that cater to different tastes and occasions:
- Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Fruit Fusion: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a chewy, fruity twist.
- Double Chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough and use white chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey experience.
- Spiced Cookies: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
- Salted Caramel: Add caramel bits and a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty treat.
How do I Store Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies Leftovers?
Ensuring your cookies remain delicious after storing them is simple with the right approach.
At Room Temperature
- Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
- Layering: Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Duration: They can last up to 3 days without losing quality.
In the Refrigerator
- Seal Well: Use an airtight container to prevent the cookies from absorbing fridge odors.
- Cool Completely: Ensure cookies are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.
- Duration: Enjoy them within a week for the best taste.
In the Freezer
- Freeze Individually: Place cookies on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Label: Mark the bag with the date for reference; they can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Allow to thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies Leftovers?
Reheating cookies can bring back their fresh-baked warmth and texture.
Microwave
- Short Bursts: Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick but can make cookies very soft.
- Watch Closely: Microwaves vary in power, so start with less time and add more as needed.
Oven or Toaster Oven
- Preheat: Warm your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Baking Sheet: Place cookies on a baking sheet for even heating.
- Heat: Warm for 5-10 minutes or until they reach your desired temperature. This method helps restore the cookies’ original texture.
Air Fryer
- Moderate Temperature: Set to 300°F (150°C) and heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Single Layer: Avoid overlapping for even reheating. This method is efficient and quick.
Nutrition value per cookie (based on 24 servings):
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 8.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
- Sodium: 77 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Total Sugars: 10.5 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Vitamin D: 6 mcg
- Calcium: 4 mg
- Iron: 0 mg
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FAQs
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Self-Raising Flour for Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour for self-raising flour if it’s not available. For every cup of regular flour, add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic self-raising flour. This combination will help your cookies rise and spread correctly, ensuring a texture close to the original recipe.
How Do I Ensure My Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Chewy and Not Hard?
To achieve chewy cookies, pay attention to the baking time and the sugar type used. Overbaking is a common reason for hard cookies, so remove them from the oven when they are just golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. Additionally, using light brown sugar, as the recipe suggests, adds moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content. Avoid overmixing the dough as well, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
What’s the Best Way to Add Variations to Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Adding variations to the cookie recipe is simple and encourages creativity. If you wish to incorporate nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate, mix these into the dough along with or in place of the chocolate chips. For a flavor twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or extracts such as almond or peppermint. Start with small quantities—about a half cup of nuts or fruits and one teaspoon of extracts or spices—and adjust according to taste.
How Long Can I Store Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Do They Need to Be Refrigerated?
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they retain their texture and flavor. Refrigeration is not necessary and can actually alter the cookies’ texture, making them firmer than desired. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them to restore their freshly baked warmth.
Final Words
Mary Berry chocolate chip cookies are a simple and delicious recipe that anyone can make and enjoy. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a rich and buttery flavor and a generous amount of chocolate chips. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a snack, a dessert, or a gift.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy baking!