Indulge in the classic goodness of homemade chocolate chip cookies with this tried-and-true recipe. Crisp on the edges and chewy in the center, these cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a warm cookie, this recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering results that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 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 approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 1 cookie) contains about 150 calories, 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, and 10g of sugars.
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 in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free version. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Dark chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These chocolate chip cookies can be served warm with a glass of milk or paired with ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also make an excellent addition to any cookie platter for gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes until soft.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the outcome.
- Using old baking soda may prevent cookies from rising.
- Skipping the cooling step can result in crumbly cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for variety.
- Always preheat the oven for even baking.
- Let cookies sit on the baking sheet before transferring to racks.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar only?
Yes, you can use only brown sugar, but it may result in a denser cookie. A mix of granulated and brown sugar provides the best flavor and texture.
How can I make gluten-free cookies?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure.
What happens if I overbake the cookies?
Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies. Keep an eye on them, as they continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are great additions and complement the chocolate chips well.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a batch of cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy the baking process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 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.
- 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 mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
