Ultimate Copycat DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies: Recreate Hotel Luxury at Home
There are few things more comforting than a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. And if you’ve ever had the pleasure of checking into a DoubleTree hotel, you know exactly the kind of cookie I’m talking about. Their signature chocolate chip cookies are legendary – giant, soft, bursting with chocolate, and served warm right as you arrive. That moment of pure bliss, savoring a gooey cookie after a long journey, is unforgettable. Most recently, I experienced this delight after an early morning flight to Fort Lauderdale. We were absolutely famished, and those warm, enormous cookies were devoured in mere seconds. It’s a simple gesture, yet it creates a lasting impression.
The craving for that distinctive DoubleTree cookie doesn’t just disappear once you’ve checked out. In fact, it often lingers, inspiring many home bakers, including myself, to try and replicate that magical experience in their own kitchens. While many recipes claim to be the “best” chocolate chip cookie, the DoubleTree version stands out with a few unique characteristics that elevate it beyond the ordinary. It’s not just about the generous amount of chocolate; there are a couple of secret ingredients and specific techniques that contribute to their unparalleled texture and flavor. This guide will help you unlock those secrets and bake your own batch of these truly special cookies right at home.
Unlocking the DoubleTree Cookie Magic: What Makes Them Special?
Creating a truly authentic DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie involves more than just mixing flour and chocolate. It’s a precise combination of ingredients and techniques that results in their distinctively thick, chewy, and incredibly flavorful profile. Let’s delve into the core elements that set these cookies apart:
- An Abundance of Chocolate: The More, The Merrier! The most noticeable feature of a DoubleTree cookie is its generous chocolate content. This recipe calls for a whopping 3 cups of chocolate chips! The hotel typically uses semi-sweet, which provides a classic, balanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other flavors. However, feel free to experiment with a mix of dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor, or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier bite. You could even throw in some chocolate chunks for varied texture. The key takeaway here is simple: do not skimp on the chocolate. It’s foundational to the DoubleTree experience.
- The Essential Chill: A Secret to Thickness and Flavor. Yes, this recipe requires chilling the cookie dough, and while it might seem like an extra step that tests your patience, I promise it’s absolutely crucial and worth every minute. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in those coveted thick, chewy centers. Beyond texture, it also allows the flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld and deepen, leading to a more complex and satisfying cookie. Plan ahead: mix the dough in the morning for warm cookies at night, or prepare it the night before and bake them fresh the next day. This step is non-negotiable for DoubleTree perfection.
- The Subtle Inclusion of Oats: A Texture and Flavor Twist. You might not expect to find oats in a classic chocolate chip cookie, but the DoubleTree recipe incorporates old-fashioned oats. To ensure a smooth yet intriguing texture, these oats are finely processed in a food processor before being added to the dough. This isn’t about making an oatmeal cookie; rather, the finely ground oats add a subtle chewiness and a slightly nutty, wholesome undertone that beautifully complements the rich chocolate and sweet dough, distinguishing these cookies from standard recipes.
- Embrace the Giant: DoubleTree’s Signature Size. The cookies you receive at the hotel aren’t just warm and delicious; they’re also impressively large! To truly capture the authentic DoubleTree experience at home, I recommend making them giant. Using a 3-tablespoon scoop helps achieve this generous size. Of course, you can certainly make smaller, more traditional-sized cookies if you prefer, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly. There’s something undeniably indulgent about a massive, warm cookie that makes you feel a little luxurious, and you shouldn’t feel bad about enjoying it!
- The Art of Underbaking: For the Ultimate Gooey Center. This is perhaps the most critical tip for achieving perfectly soft, gooey chocolate chip cookies. It applies to almost all cookies and even brownies: do not overbake them! When you remove cookies from the oven, they continue to cook on the hot baking sheet through residual heat. You want the centers to appear slightly underdone and still a bit pale when you pull them out. The edges should be lightly golden, which indicates they’re ready. Trust this process! This technique guarantees your cookies will be wonderfully soft and deliciously gooey, never hard or crunchy.
The Secret Ingredients: Lemon Juice and Cinnamon
Upon first glance at the DoubleTree cookie ingredient list, you might find yourself a little puzzled by the inclusion of lemon juice and cinnamon. These aren’t typical additions to a classic chocolate chip cookie, but they are crucial for achieving that unique DoubleTree flavor and texture. Trust the process and add them – they truly make a difference!
A Dash of Cinnamon for Harmonious Flavors
The cinnamon is present in a very small amount, just a quarter of a teaspoon, so don’t worry about these turning into “cinnamon cookies.” Its role is subtle yet significant: it acts as a flavor enhancer, expertly weaving together the rich notes of the chocolate with the nuttiness of the walnuts and the sweetness of the dough. It adds a whisper of warmth and complexity that elevates the overall taste without ever stealing the spotlight. It’s a background note that makes all the other ingredients sing in harmony.
Lemon Juice: The Unsung Hero for Perfect Texture
And what about the lemon juice? This ingredient is a fascinating addition! The acidity in the lemon juice reacts with the baking soda, creating a chemical reaction that contributes to the cookies’ signature thick and soft texture. While I may not fully grasp the scientific intricacies, the empirical evidence is clear: these cookies turn out awesome with it. It helps achieve that desirable lift and chewiness that makes them so satisfying. So, don’t question it – just add it and enjoy the remarkable results!
Expert Tips for Freezing Cookie Dough
One of the greatest advantages of baking cookies at home is the ability to enjoy warm, fresh treats whenever the craving strikes. I personally prefer to bake only a few cookies at a time and freeze the rest of the dough. This method ensures that we can have a delicious, warm cookie any night of the week, preserving that fresh-baked experience. Freezing baked cookies can sometimes alter their texture and taste, making them less appealing than a cookie baked straight from frozen dough. Nothing truly beats the delight of a warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie, straight from the oven.
Here’s the best way to freeze your DoubleTree cookie dough for future enjoyment:
- Scoop and Chill: Begin by scooping individual balls of dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Aim for your desired cookie size – whether giant or regular. Ensure there’s a little space between each dough ball.
- Flash Freeze: Place the entire baking tray directly into the freezer. Let the dough balls freeze solid, which typically takes about 1-2 hours. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together when stored in a bag.
- Transfer for Storage: Once the dough balls are completely frozen and firm, remove them from the tray. Transfer them into a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container. Label the bag with the date and type of cookie.
- Bake Anytime: When you’re ready to bake, simply take out the desired number of frozen dough balls. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. Then, bake them according to the recipe instructions, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if they’re still quite firm. You’ll be enjoying warm, fresh cookies in no time!
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for an exceptional cookie, bypass the ordinary and try these copycat DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies. They are far more than your average Chocolate Chip Cookie; they are an experience, offering that extra special something. And if you’ve ever had the pleasure of a DoubleTree hotel stay, you’ll immediately recognize and appreciate the authenticity of this homemade version. Prepare to impress your family and friends (or just yourself!) with these giant, warm, and irresistibly delicious cookies.
More Tasty Cookie Recipes to Explore
If you’ve loved making these DoubleTree Copycat cookies and have a passion for baking, be sure to check out some of these other fantastic cookie recipes:
- Peppermint Patty Fudge Cookies – A delightful mint-chocolate combination.
- Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies – A buttery, crumbly twist on a classic.
- Frosted Churro Cookies – Sweet and cinnamon-sugar perfection.
- Bisquick Cookies – Surprisingly simple and delicious cookies using a pantry staple.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies – The ultimate pairing of two beloved flavors.
- Nutella Cookies – Rich, hazelnut-chocolate goodness in every bite.
- Chick Fil A Cookies – Recreate your fast-food favorite at home.
DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 3/4 cups chopped walnuts
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In an electric stand mixer cream butter, brown sugar, and sugar together until light and fluffy – about 2 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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Add in eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice and mix for about 2 minutes.2 whole eggs, 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
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Whisk flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon together.1/2 cup old fashioned oats, 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Gradually add flour mixture to dough, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 3/4 cups chopped walnuts
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Using 3 tablespoon scoop, portion dough onto a prepared cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 20-23 minutes until edges are golden. Center may appear under done, but that is fine. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
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Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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