What To Know
- Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop the dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- It allows the butter to solidify, resulting in a cookie with a crisp edge and a chewy center.
If you’re a fan of those warm, gooey, and undeniably delicious Mrs. Fields cookies, you’ve probably wondered how to recreate that magic in your own kitchen. The good news is, it’s not as complicated as you might think! This guide will walk you through the steps of how to bake Mrs. Fields cookies at home, unlocking the secrets to achieving that signature taste and texture.
The Essential Ingredients: Your Cookie Arsenal
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. The beauty of Mrs. Fields cookies lies in their simplicity, with a few key components that create the iconic flavor and texture:
- Butter: Unsalted butter is the foundation of a good cookie. It provides richness, flavor, and the perfect texture.
- Sugar: A combination of granulated and brown sugar is key. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar contributes moisture and a caramel-like depth.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the cookies’ structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and comforting note.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and creates a light and airy texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Mrs. Fields is known for its generous use of chocolate chips, and you’ll want to use high-quality chips for the best results.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get baking! Here’s a simplified recipe for Mrs. Fields-style cookies that you can adapt to your own preferences:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is the foundation of a good cookie, so take your time to ensure it’s properly creamed.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
4. Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop the dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie for spreading.
8. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mastering the Cookie Texture: Tips and Tricks
While the recipe provides a solid foundation, there are a few techniques that can elevate your cookie game to Mrs. Fields-worthy levels:
- The Importance of Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial. It allows the butter to solidify, resulting in a cookie with a crisp edge and a chewy center.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly cookies. Watch them closely and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden brown.
- The Right Baking Sheet: Use a light-colored baking sheet, as it helps to prevent the cookies from burning.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Beyond the Basic Recipe: Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavor variations to create your own unique Mrs. Fields-inspired creations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add a cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough.
- Oatmeal Raisin: Add 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts.
- M&M Cookies: Add a cup of your favorite M&M candies to the dough.
The Final Touch: Presentation and Storage
Your Mrs. Fields-style cookies deserve a beautiful presentation. Here are some tips:
- Decorate with Sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles to the tops of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
- Use a Cookie Cutter: For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to shape the dough into different designs.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
A Sweet Finale: Your Mrs. Fields Cookie Journey
Making Mrs. Fields cookies at home is a rewarding experience, offering a chance to create a taste of nostalgia and deliciousness. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting cookies that are as satisfying as they are delightful.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much?
A: If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely that the butter wasn’t cold enough when you mixed it. Next time, chill the butter for at least 30 minutes before you start mixing.
Q: Can I substitute the chocolate chips for another type of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you like, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.
Q: Do I need to use a specific type of flour?
A: All-purpose flour is the best choice for this recipe. However, if you’re using a different type of flour, you may need to adjust the amount.
