Ingredients:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened to 65°F
- 150g dark brown sugar, packed
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla bean paste
- 280g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- 175g semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 60g toasted rice cereal
Instructions:
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 225g softened butter with 150g dark brown sugar and 100g granulated sugar for 4 minutes until light, fluffy, and noticeably paler. Note: This incorporates air that expands in the oven for a lighter bite.
- Add the room temperature egg and 2 tsp vanilla bean paste, mixing until the streaks of yellow disappear.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 280g all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 0.5 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp flaky sea salt until no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just a few streaks of flour are visible. Note: Stopping early prevents the cookies from becoming tough like bread.
- Gently fold in the 175g semi sweet chocolate chunks and the 60g toasted rice cereal by hand until evenly distributed through the dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm to the touch. Note: This step is vital for preventing the cookies from spreading into a flat mess.
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a #40 cookie scoop, portion 1.5 tablespoon sized balls and place them 5 cm apart on the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 12 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown and the centers look slightly under baked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to ensure the bottoms stay crisp.