Cookies are a timeless classic loved by both kids and adults. This simple, step-by-step recipe guarantees perfect cookies every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
To make these mouth-watering chocolate chip cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup of white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To prevent cookies from sticking, line baking sheets with parchment paper or use a non-stick baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Once combined, set the mixture aside as you move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Whisk or beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now, fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
Step 6: Shape the Dough and Bake
Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are golden, even if the center looks slightly undercooked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate chips or chunks can elevate the taste of your cookies.
- Customize the Mix-Ins: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or dried fruits for unique variations.
Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a nutty twist.
Conclusion
There you have it—the perfect recipe for soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this classic recipe never fails to impress. Get creative with mix-ins and flavors, making them uniquely yours. Happy baking!
