Chocolate Chip Cookies

Spread the love

Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat loved by many. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home, a gathering with friends, or a snack to enjoy with your coffee, these cookies fit the bill. They are soft, chewy, and filled with delicious chocolate chips. What makes them better is that they are easy to make at home, allowing you to share warm, fresh cookies straight from the oven. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can lead to rich flavors and delightful textures. Baking these cookies can also be a great activity to share with friends or family, creating wonderful memories while enjoying the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making chocolate chip cookies is straightforward, and you do not need any fancy equipment. With just a few bowls, a mixing spoon, and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon if mixing by hand.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Beat well until combined. This mixture should look light and fluffy.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking soda mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon. This step makes sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Using a rounded tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for expansion.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake them for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are best served warm, straight from the oven, when they are soft and gooey. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a glass of cold milk, which is a classic combination. For a little twist, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie for an indulgent treat. Additionally, you can serve them at parties, bake sales, or as a sweet treat after family meals.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookies

To keep your chocolate chip cookies fresh, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their softness for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Whenever you want to enjoy a cookie, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.

Tips to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This allows for easier mixing and better incorporation of air.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can give your cookies a dry texture.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors develop and can prevent spreading during baking.
Use Good Quality Chocolate Chips: The quality of the chocolate chips can greatly affect the taste of your cookies. Choose a brand that you enjoy eating.
Test for Doneness: Cookies will continue to bake a little on the cooling rack, so it’s best to take them out of the oven when they are just golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.

Variation

While the classic chocolate chip cookie is always a favorite, you can easily customize it. Here are some variations you might consider:

Nutty Cookies: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, along with the chocolate chips for added crunch.
Double Chocolate Cookies: For a chocolate lover’s dream, replace 1/2 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder in the recipe to create a rich, chocolatey cookie.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Incorporate 1 cup of rolled oats to give your cookies a chewy texture.
Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of your cookies just before baking for a sweet and salty combination.
Add Other Flavors: Experiment with peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a twist on the classic.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may vary a bit. Butter gives cookies a richer taste and a softer texture.
What do I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling will firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies may be a result of overmixing, using melted butter, or not using enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened and measured accurately.
How do I know when cookies are done baking?
Cookies are often ready when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook after being taken out of the oven.

By following this simple recipe, you will be well on your way to making delicious chocolate chip cookies that are sure to please everyone. Enjoy the delightful process of baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! Happy baking!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print Recipe

Classic soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies, perfect for any occasion.

Author: hbibamine1980
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.