Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite, loved by kids and adults alike. This recipe is straightforward, ensuring that you can enjoy warm, gooey cookies straight from the oven in no time. Perfect for a cozy family treat or to share with friends!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookies bake uniformly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be soft, but not melted, to achieve the right texture.
- Add Salt, Vanilla, and Eggs:
- Add the salt and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the cookies light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the flour is incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you prefer extra chocolatey cookies, feel free to add an extra half cup of chocolate chips.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For larger cookies, use a 1/4 cup measure. You can also press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie for a more appealing look.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the cookies and your oven, so keep an eye on them. For chewy cookies, under-bake them slightly.
- Cool:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist, let them cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the chocolate chips to set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cookies warm with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well; simply place them in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Butter Temperature: Ensure that the butter is at room temperature. Softened butter creams well with sugar, resulting in a light and airy cookie dough. If the butter is too cold, it won’t incorporate properly; if it’s too melted, the cookies may spread too much.
- Chilling the Dough: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step is optional but helps to enhance the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. For soft and chewy cookies, it’s better to under-bake them slightly as they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different types of chocolate chips (white chocolate, dark chocolate) or mix-ins like dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
- Storage: To keep your cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, staying soft for days.
Conclusion
This classic chocolate chip cookie recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With crispy edges and a soft, chewy center loaded with gooey chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you have a sweet craving, they’re always a delightful treat. Enjoy your baking!