Are you ready to indulge in the classic favorite of many? This chocolate chip cookies recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, buttery goodness with melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit! Let’s dive into the ingredients and the easy steps to create these delightful treats right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (serving size: 1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 100mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 18g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, try dark or white chocolate chips for a different flavor. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Pairings
These chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee. They make a delightful treat for any gathering or as a comforting snack.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to poor texture.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
- Using cold butter instead of softened can affect the creaminess.
- Baking on a hot baking sheet can cause cookies to spread too much.
- Skipping the cooling time can result in cookies that crumble.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate or add-ins.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to avoid overcooking.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain freshness.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with applesauce, mashed banana, or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan version.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can result from using melted butter or not enough flour. Ensure you’re measuring ingredients correctly.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try adding a bit more brown sugar and reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or longer in the freezer.
Conclusion
These chocolate chip cookies are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy warm, gooey cookies fresh from the oven. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Enjoy your freshly baked cookies!
