6 Pro Chefs Make Their Favorite Cookies | Test Kitchen Talks | Bon Appétit

Summary

The video takes viewers into a test kitchen where various chefs share their favorite cookie recipes. From salted buckwheat chocolate chip cookies with a crispy, caramelly base, to innovative creations like berry crisp cookies with raspberry chocolate and oatmeal streusel, and nostalgic treats like biscotti and thumbprint jam cookies, each recipe showcases unique flavors and textures. The chefs highlight key techniques, such as browning butter, incorporating seeds, and making homemade toffee, while offering tips on achieving perfect textures—crispy, chewy, or gooey—creating a delicious and diverse cookie experience.

Takeaways

• 🍪 The video features different cookie recipes from a test kitchen, showcasing a variety of flavors and techniques.
• 🍫 Shilpa talks about making Sarah Jampel's salted buckwheat chocolate chip cookie, using buckwheat flour for a nutty flavor and brown butter for rich, toasty notes.
• 🥄 Rice Krispies cereal is used as a coating for cookie dough, adding extra texture and crispiness.
• 🍇 Rachel's berry crisp cookie combines raspberry chocolate and a simple oatmeal streusel for a sweet and tart flavor.
• 🍯 A salted toffee cookie recipe incorporates homemade toffee, adding a crispy, buttery texture with brown butter cookie dough.
• 🍫 The zebra-striped shortbread cookie is a visually striking cookie with alternating layers of vanilla and cocoa dough, rolled in sanding sugar.
• 🍓 The jam thumbprint cookie uses raspberry and apricot preserves, rolled in coconut for extra texture, a classic, buttery shortbread cookie.
• ☕ The biscotti recipe includes almonds and dark chocolate, with a crunchy texture perfect for dipping in coffee.
• 🍬 Resting dough before baking helps develop texture and flavor in cookies like salted toffee and biscotti.
• 🧈 The overall theme emphasizes the importance of balancing textures, flavors, and creative use of ingredients in baking, while also sharing personal memories and preferences.

Q & A

What is the first cookie recipe mentioned in the script?

The first cookie recipe mentioned is Sarah Jampel's salted buckwheat chocolate chip cookie.

What is the purpose of using buckwheat flour in the cookie recipe?

Buckwheat flour adds a nutty and dark flavor to the cookies, giving them a deeper, richer color.

Why is it important to cool the brown butter before using it in the cookie recipe?

Cooling the brown butter is important to avoid scrambling the eggs when they are added to the mixture.

What unique ingredient is used to coat the cookies before baking in the first recipe?

The cookies are rolled in Rice Krispies cereal, which adds a crispy texture and a fun confetti-like appearance.

What is a key technique used to flatten the cookies after baking?

After baking, the sheet pan is banged on the counter to flatten the cookies and create a crinkled appearance.

What special ingredient does the second recipe use for the berry crisp cookie?

The berry crisp cookie uses Valrhona raspberry chocolate, which contains freeze-dried raspberry powder for a tart, intense raspberry flavor.

Why is it important to toast the pecans used in the berry crisp cookie?

Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor by unlocking a richer taste compared to raw nuts, which can be waxy and crumbly.

What is the key feature of the salted toffee cookie described in the third recipe?

The salted toffee cookie features crispy edges and gooey centers, with the toffee melting into the cookie for a sweet and salty flavor.

What process is described for making the zebra-striped shortbread cookie dough?

The zebra-striped shortbread dough is made by stacking alternating layers of cocoa-flavored and vanilla dough, rolling them together to create a striped effect.

How does the jam thumbprint cookie differ from other cookies in the video?

The jam thumbprint cookie is rolled in coconut, and an indentation is filled with raspberry or apricot preserves, giving it a classic, nostalgic flavor.