Indulge in the timeless delight of homemade chocolate chip cookies with this easy and delicious recipe. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these classic chocolate chip cookies are sure to satisfy everyone’s cookie cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, or a mix of both)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), if desired
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Chocolate Chips (and Nuts, if using):
- Stir in the chocolate chips (and chopped nuts, if desired) with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Form Cookie Dough Balls:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie). Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy:
- Once cooled, indulge in these classic chocolate chip cookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted, for the best texture.
- Mixing Technique: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Baking Time: Watch the cookies closely towards the end of baking time; they should be lightly golden around the edges for a chewy texture.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips (dark, white, or chunks) or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these classic chocolate chip cookies warm from the oven as a comforting dessert.
- Package them in a decorative tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Use them to make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
These classic chocolate chip cookies are a staple treat that everyone loves. Enjoy baking them for family gatherings, bake sales, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth any time of the year!