How I Rate Chocolate Chip Cookies

• First: texture. I’m looking for crisp edges with a soft, chewy center. A little structure is good. A muffin pretending to be a cookie is not.

• Next: the chocolate. Is it good quality? Does it melt? Is there enough of it? Chocolate should feel intentional, not like an afterthought.

• Then there’s flavor. Butter, vanilla, salt — this is where a cookie goes from fine to memorable. Sweet is expected. Flavor is earned.

• Freshness matters more than people admit. A great cookie at its peak is magic. A great cookie two days later can be a letdown.

• And finally, the most important question of all: Would I order this again? Not “was it fine,” but “am I already thinking about the next one?”

From here on out, every cookie I try will be rated using this system. Some will surprise. Some will disappoint. All will be judged fairly — and eaten enthusiastically.

First official cookie review coming next.