Dark Chocolate Vanilla Cookies (Print Version)

Chewy dark chocolate and vanilla cookies with a hint of almond and a touch of milk.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

→ Mix-Ins

11 - 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chunks or chips, 70% cocoa
12 - 1/2 cup whole milk
13 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until creamy and light, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
05 - With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
06 - Fold in dark chocolate chunks and white chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
07 - Scoop dough using approximately 2 tablespoons per cookie onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly soft and puffy.
09 - Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Rich dark chocolate flavor balanced with aromatic vanilla creates a complex, sophisticated cookie
  • Ready in just 32 minutes from start to finish
  • The combination of dark and white chocolate chips provides beautiful visual contrast and textural variety
  • Soft, chewy centers with perfectly set edges make these cookies irresistible
  • Easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to serve at any gathering
02 -
  • Use Dutch-process cocoa powder rather than natural cocoa for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor
  • Don't overbake—the centers should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven; they'll continue to set as they cool
  • For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough consistently
  • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for the full 5 minutes to prevent breakage
  • Quality chocolate makes a significant difference—choose good 70% dark chocolate for the best flavor
  • If you want extra-thick cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking
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