Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their chewy texture, sweet buttery flavor, and rich, melty chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are an easy, go-to treat that both beginners and experienced bakers can master. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, as an after-school snack, or just because, chocolate chip cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe delivers a perfect balance between a soft, chewy center and crispy edges. Plus, you can customize them with nuts or additional chocolate for an extra treat.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why It’s Great

This chocolate chip cookie recipe is great because it offers a perfect blend of texture and flavor. The cookies are slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft and chewy on the inside. With the richness of real butter, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the gooeyness of melted chocolate chips, these cookies are irresistible. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that allows for easy customization—add walnuts for crunch or extra chocolate chips for indulgence. Best of all, these cookies can be whipped up quickly with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup walnut pieces (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Add chocolate chips and nuts: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnut pieces (if using) until evenly distributed.
  6. Shape the cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. For softer cookies, bake on the lower end of the time range.
  8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve these chocolate chip cookies warm for the ultimate treat, with gooey, melty chocolate in every bite. Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage for the perfect snack or dessert.
  • Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Helpful Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter is softened (not melted) and the eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth dough and even baking.
  • Chill the dough: For even better texture, chill the cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to customize the cookies by adding different types of chocolate, like milk or dark chocolate, or mix in dried fruit, coconut, or chopped nuts.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

2. What makes cookies soft vs. crispy?

For softer cookies, reduce the baking time and ensure the butter is not melted. For crispier cookies, bake for a longer time and slightly flatten the dough before baking.

3. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, but the flavor and texture might be different. Butter adds richness and moisture, which margarine lacks. If using margarine, ensure it’s not low-fat, as this can lead to drier cookies.

4. How do I keep cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking and use room-temperature ingredients. Overly soft butter can cause cookies to spread too much.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

Chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, and this recipe delivers perfectly soft and chewy cookies every time. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cookies ready in no time. Whether you’re making them for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, and don’t forget the cold glass of milk!

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