The Best Desserts

Warning: You'll get requests to bring these sweet treats to every party from now on. Discover more awesome confections at delish.com/easy-desserts

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BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

MAKES 24 5 HR

2⅔ cups (320 g.) all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. kosher salt

1¼ cups (2½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted

¾ cup (160 g.) packed light brown sugar

½ cup (100 g.) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 cup (170 g.) semisweet chocolate chips

6 oz. chocolate (from wafers, disks, or bar; 70% cacao or higher), coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.

2. In a large bowl, whisk butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine. Add dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until about halfway mixed in. Add chocolates and fold until just combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 24.

3. Let dough come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°. Using a large (about 3 Tbsp.) cookie scoop, scoop dough onto 2 parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 3" apart.

4. Bake cookies, rotating trays halfway through, until edges are golden brown and just set and centers are almost set, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly. -MAKINZE GORE

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM CAKE

SERVES 8

5 HR 45 MIN

¼ tsp. kosher salt

30 golden sandwich cookies, divided

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

5½ cups vanilla ice cream (about 22 oz.), slightly softened, divided

4 cups strawberry ice cream (about 16 oz.), slightly softened

1½ cups freeze-dried strawberries, divided