There are numerous opinions on what constitutes the ideal chocolate chip cookie, with factors such as thickness, texture, and the chocolate-to-dough ratio sparking lively discussions. Personally, I believe that a cookie is unworthy of enjoyment without a proper touch of salt; its absence leaves the flavor feeling unbalanced and dull. A unique ingredient I incorporate to achieve this balance is white miso. I use just enough to infuse a subtle savory, umami note without transforming the cookie into a miso flavor, enhancing the overall taste complexity and preventing excessive sweetness.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours or more
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients:
100g unsalted butter, softened
110g dark brown sugar
110g caster sugar
35g white miso paste
1 large egg
220g plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
100g milk chocolate, roughly chopped
100g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
Begin by placing the softened butter and both types of sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture for approximately two to three minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly. Next, add the white miso and mix briefly to incorporate it, followed by the addition of the egg.
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda, mixing just until combined. Then, fold in the chopped chocolate pieces with a brief stir.
Prepare a large baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to divide the dough into twelve equal portions and form them into balls. Cover the tray and refrigerate the dough for a minimum of three hours, though letting it chill overnight is recommended for optimal flavor development.
Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C for fan ovens) or 375°F (gas mark 5). Bake the cookies in batches for around 13 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are firm while the centers remain slightly soft. For perfectly round cookies, you can gently reshape them with a large cookie cutter while they are still warm. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
