If you’re craving a sweet treat that brings comfort and joy, look no further than this classic chocolate chip cookies recipe. With its perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, they are a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere.
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 serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 150 calories, 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until well combined.
- 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 evenly throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a different flavor. Additionally, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Serving and Pairings
These chocolate chip cookies can be served warm with a glass of milk or paired with your favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make a great addition to any cookie platter for gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold butter can lead to a dense texture; always use softened butter.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies; mix until just combined.
- Not measuring flour accurately can affect the final texture; use a kitchen scale for best results.
- Baking at too high a temperature can cause cookies to burn; stick to the recommended temperature.
- Skipping the cooling time can lead to a crumbly cookie; let them cool on a wire rack.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for extra crunch and flavor.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze them.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last for about a week at room temperature, or up to three months in the freezer.
Conclusion
This chocolate chip cookies recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, you can easily whip up a batch anytime you desire a sweet treat. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or share them with loved ones for a delightful experience!
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 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until well combined.
- 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 evenly throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
