Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Crisp edges, a gooey center, and pockets of rich, melty chocolate—these are the hallmarks of the Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookie recipe, often celebrated as the gold standard of cookies.

I remember the first time I heard about these cookies. I was scrolling through recipes, trying to find the perfect treat for a weekend baking session. My family had been craving something classic, but I wanted a recipe with a little extra flair. That’s when I stumbled upon Jacques Torres’s name, often called “Mr. Chocolate,” and his famous cookies. It wasn’t just the reputation that intrigued me—it was the unique techniques and premium ingredients that promised something truly special.

So, I set out to recreate this legendary treat in my own kitchen. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about whether they’d live up to the hype. But let me tell you—they exceeded every expectation. These cookies aren’t just good; they’re unforgettable. And today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to make them at home, step by step. Let’s bake something magical! 

Who is Jacques Torres, and Why is He So Popular?

Jacques Torres, affectionately known as “Mr. Chocolate,” is a world-renowned French pastry chef and chocolatier. Born in Algiers, Torres built his culinary career in France, where he gained recognition for his innovative pastry skills. After moving to the United States, he established himself as a master chocolatier and opened his own chocolate shops.

Jacques Torres is celebrated for his commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. His chocolate creations, particularly his Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies, have earned him a loyal following worldwide. He’s also a TV personality, appearing as a judge on Netflix’s Nailed It! and sharing his expertise with a global audience.
Learn more about Jacques Torres on his official website.

What Makes Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Special?

The Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies recipe is no ordinary cookie recipe. Here’s what makes these cookies stand out:

1. Premium Chocolate: Torres uses chocolate discs instead of chips, ensuring a rich, gooey texture. The chocolate melts into luscious pools throughout the cookie.
2. Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough for 24-72 hours enhances the flavor and improves the texture.
3. Perfect Texture: These cookies have crisp edges and soft, gooey centers, achieving a perfect balance.
4. Combination of Flours: The recipe uses both bread flour and cake flour to create a unique texture that’s chewy and tender.

These techniques elevate the cookies from good to extraordinary, making them the go-to choice for cookie lovers everywhere.

Ingredients for Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make these iconic cookies, you’ll need:

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1 ⅔ cups bread flour
• 1 ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp coarse salt
• 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ lbs bittersweet chocolate discs
• Optional: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Why Use Two Types of Flour?

One of the standout features of the Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookie recipe is the use of two types of flour: cake flour and bread flour. While most cookie recipes rely on all-purpose flour, Jacques Torres’s recipe takes a unique approach to achieve the ideal cookie texture.

1. Cake Flour: Known for its fine texture and low protein content, cake flour creates a tender, soft crumb. This ensures that the cookies maintain a delicate, almost melt-in-your-mouth quality.
2. Bread Flour: On the other hand, bread flour has a higher protein content, contributing to the chewy, slightly dense structure that makes these cookies so satisfying.

By combining the two, you get the best of both worlds—soft, tender interiors with just the right amount of chewiness.

Extra Info About Ingredients

Each ingredient in the Jacques Torres cookie recipe plays a crucial role in creating these iconic cookies. Let’s break it down:

• Cake Flour and Bread Flour: As mentioned, these flours work together to create the perfect texture.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and spread evenly during baking. The combination ensures a balanced, fluffy texture.
• Coarse Salt: Using coarse salt adds bursts of flavor that enhance the sweetness of the cookies and bring out the chocolate’s richness.
• Butter: Unsalted butter provides the cookies with their rich, buttery flavor. Room temperature butter is key for proper creaming with the sugars.
• Brown Sugar and White Sugar: The blend of sugars adds both sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar contributing to chewiness and white sugar giving crisp edges.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the dough come together and adding richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth.
• Chocolate Discs: Unlike traditional chocolate chips, discs melt into luscious pools, creating a more luxurious texture and flavor.
• Flaky Sea Salt (optional): A sprinkle of sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness and elevates the flavor of the cookies.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

For this Jacques Torres cookie recipe, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Fine mesh sieve

Step-by-Step Recipe for Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1:

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse salt. Whisk to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: 

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 5:

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate discs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6:

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (and up to 72 hours). Chilling the dough allows the flavors to develop and creates a firmer texture for easier scooping.

Step 7:

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 8:

Scoop the chilled dough into golf ball-sized portions (about 3 tablespoons each). Place them on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 9:

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Step 10:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Some Tips!

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for bittersweet chocolate discs for the best flavor and texture.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! It’s key to achieving the signature texture of Jacques Torres cookies.
3. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

What to Pair with Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies?

These cookies are indulgent on their own, but pairing them with a complementary dessert takes them to the next level:

• Chick-fil-A Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth, and simple, this ice cream balances the richness of the cookies.
• Piñon Ice Cream: With its nutty, earthy flavor, piñon ice cream is an unexpected but delightful pairing.

FAQ

Why are Jacques Torres cookies so famous?

These cookies are celebrated for their perfect texture, premium chocolate, and rich flavor.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Freeze pre-portioned dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

What makes these Jacques Torres Chocolate chip cookies taste better after chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough allows the flavors to develop and creates a chewier texture.

Conclusion

The Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookie recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking. With its unique techniques and premium ingredients, this recipe guarantees cookies that are as impressive as they are delicious. Take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of recreating this iconic treat at home.