Indulge in the timeless delight of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create cookies with a crispy edge and a soft, gooey center. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s get started on making the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted!
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 yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cookie):
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 100mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 22g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 2g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Dark chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or even vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft, gooey treat.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies; always use softened butter.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly can affect texture; spoon flour into the measuring cup.
- Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much.
- Skipping the cooling step can lead to cookies breaking apart.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easier cleanup.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips.
- Let the cookies cool completely for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar only?
Yes, you can use all brown sugar for a richer flavor, but it may alter the texture slightly.
What if my cookies spread too much?
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
How do I make them chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies, removing them when they still look a bit doughy.
Can I add nuts to the mixture?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the chocolate chips well.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
These best chocolate chip cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With their perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures, they make for an irresistible treat. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, this recipe is a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere. Happy baking!
Best 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
