Few things are as comforting as a warm chocolate chip cookie, fresh from the oven with gooey chocolate and a soft, chewy center. This classic chocolate chip cookies recipe delivers on all the essential elements: a buttery flavor, crisp edges, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves. Whether for a quick treat, a party, or a cozy dessert, these cookies are a timeless choice. Let’s dive into the secrets to making perfect chocolate chip cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. - Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tougher. - Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly undercooked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. - Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delicious crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey cookie.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace 1 cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
Cooking Notes
- Chilling the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- Salted Butter Option: If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Even Baking: For the best results, bake one sheet at a time to ensure even baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Create an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature.
- Chocolate Options: Experiment with different chocolate types—dark, milk, or white chocolate chips work well in this recipe.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, approx. 1 large cookie)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze chocolate chip cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What makes cookies chewy versus crispy?
Higher moisture (from brown sugar and butter) and slightly under-baking help create a chewy texture, while more granulated sugar and longer baking times create a crispier cookie.
Q: How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft.
Conclusion
These classic chocolate chip cookies are a true treat with just the right balance of chewiness and gooey chocolate. Perfectly versatile and easy to make, they’re a staple that everyone will adore. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy every delicious bite!