There’s nothing quite like the comforting allure of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Warm, gooey chocolate morsels nestled within a soft, chewy cookie—it’s a timeless treat that evokes fond memories for many. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a family gathering, or simply indulging a sweet tooth, this recipe delivers the perfect batch every time. Simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s the perfect blend of sweet and rich, crispy and chewy. Dive in and discover your new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your choice of chocolate type)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, beating until well blended.
- Add Chocolate and Nuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Drop by Tablespoon: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. For larger cookies, you can use an ice cream scoop or make your dough balls bigger.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Keep a close eye on them; baking times can vary based on the exact size of your cookies and your specific oven.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes (they’ll continue to cook slightly from the residual heat). Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes:
- If you prefer crispier cookies, you can flatten the dough balls slightly before baking and/or extend the baking time by a few minutes.
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of chocolate types (like milk, dark, and white chocolate) or adding in other mix-ins like coconut, dried cranberries, or oatmeal.
- Always store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!