Chocolate Chip Cookies

This cookie makes use of melted butter as opposed to softened butter. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Melted butter is easier to use as it requires no planning. Also, it's easier to incorporate into the dough by allowing you to skip the use of a hand mixer. However, it generally leads to a chewier, denser cookie. Softened butter will generally give you a fluffier cookie. Perfecting a chocolate chip cookie is a great way to learn the basics of baking as well as the "touch" required to be a great baker. The "touch" can not be taught. It's experienced. 

The video below covers all the basics of a good chocolate chip cookie, but also shows you how to take it from good to great. Many of the tips can be used in any classic North American cookie.