Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Method

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugars on high speed for 5 minutes, until pale, light, and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix to combine, scraping down the bowl when necessary.
2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to the mixing bowl and mix on low to just combine (you still want a few streaks of flour remaining that will get mixed in when you add the chocolate).
3. Add the chopped chocolate and mix until just incorporated. Remove the bowl from the mixer and give a few mixes by hand using a flexible spatula, to ensure even incorporation of the chocolate.
4. Using a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop, scoop out balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (you can place them close together). If you want big puddles on top, flatten a ball of dough, press chocolate onto the top side, then roll it into a ball for even chocolate distribution as the cookie bakes.
5. If you are not adding additional chocolate, there is no need to re-shape into a ball — you can bake right from the scooped shape. Cover the sheet pan with plastic wrap and chill the dough balls for an hour in the fridge, or up to overnight.
6. Toward the end of the chilling process, preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C. Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper (you can bake these in batches).
7. Arrange 6 cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving room for spreading. Leave the remainder of the dough balls in the fridge.
8. Bake for 13-14 minutes, or until lightly golden and beginning to set. Baking time depends on personal preference — for soft, bake 13 minutes; for a tiny bit crispy, bake 14. Remove from the oven, and if desired, use a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookie to scoot them into a perfectly round shape.
9. Sprinkle liberally with flaky sea salt. Allow to cool on the pan — the cookies will deflate slightly as they cool. Repeat the baking process with the remaining cookies.
10. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.