Indulge in the classic delight of homemade chocolate chip cookies! This recipe combines simple ingredients to create cookies that are irresistibly chewy, with a golden exterior and gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these cookies will transport you back to your childhood days of baking with loved ones. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of baking 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
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 1 cookie) contains:
– Calories: 160
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugars: 12g
– Protein: 2g
(Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until fluffy.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
10. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Additionally, try using dark chocolate chips or adding nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. They also make a delightful dessert when served alongside vanilla ice cream.
Storage and Reheating
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
– Ensure your butter is softened, not melted.
– Use parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
– Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
– Check cookies a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
Helpful Tips
– Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
– Experiment with different types of chocolate for varied flavors.
– Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
– Let cookies cool completely for the best texture.
FAQs
What can I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough feels too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. This will help bind the ingredients without altering the flavor.
Can I use brown sugar only?
Yes, using only brown sugar will give you a more caramel-like flavor and chewiness in your cookies. Adjust the white sugar accordingly to maintain sweetness.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the center may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook as they cool.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough isn’t mandatory, but it helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies. It can also enhance the flavors.
What can I add to the cookie dough?
Feel free to add nuts, oats, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to balance the ratios so the cookies still hold together.
Conclusion
With this best chocolate chip cookie recipe, you can create delicious treats that will impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, these cookies are a timeless classic. Happy baking!
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
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
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.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
