Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling your kitchen. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a foolproof recipe, this step-by-step guide will help you create soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious cookies from scratch. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make about 24 cookies:
| Dry Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Wet Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ¾ cup |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Add-ins | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 2 cups |
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer (or whisk) to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
7. Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked – they’ll set as the cookies cool.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and better texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit for variety.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 2g |
Conclusion
With this easy homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe, you’ll become everyone’s favorite baker in no time. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a party, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re guaranteed to impress. Enjoy your warm, gooey cookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage.
Happy baking! 🍪