[cookiemom]

Hi Noranora,

I am new to this forum and definitely decided to jump in with this thread. I love cookies, and chocolate chip are my all time favorite!

You are on the right track by using parchment paper. Also, the amount of time the cookie is actually in the oven will make a huge difference as well. It is a natural instinct to want to take the cookie out of the oven when it is golden brown. This is, however, a big mistake. It is actually overcooked by that time.
The cookie needs to rest on the cookie sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. This allows it to firm up a bit so it will not fall apart. But, it is actually still cooking from the residual heat from the cookie sheet as well. This is ok. The key is to take the cookie out of the oven at the right time so that these "final cooking minutes" won't hurt the cookie. Try this:

Start with the lowest recommended time in the oven that the recipe calls for or even a minute or so less. You can always add time but not take away.

When you check the cookies at the end of the time, see if the edges are brown. JUST the edges, and maybe a bit on the peak of the cookie.

If they are brown but the centers look a bit undercooked, great! Time to come out.

Leave on the cookie sheet until firm (2-3 minutes) and slide over to cooling rack. They should be perfectly cooked. Moist and chewy.

And definitely use the parchment paper. Good luck!