Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your home. These delightful treats are a favorite for many, bringing warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge yourself, chocolate chip cookies are the perfect choice.

Why Make This Recipe

Making chocolate chip cookies is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s also a fun and rewarding experience. This recipe is easy to follow, and you probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen. Plus, the cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a glass of milk.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
7. Scoop 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
9. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own but can be even better with a few extras. Serve them warm, with a glass of cold milk, or maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but they’re likely to disappear much faster than that! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the cookies to mix better and results in a smoother dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, leading to thicker cookies.
3. Don’t Overbake: Take the cookies out when the edges are golden and the center looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to bake after being removed from the oven.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. For instance, try swapping out semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown sugar only?
   Yes, you can use only brown sugar for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary.

2. What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
   If you only have salted butter, simply omit the added salt in the recipe.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.

Enjoy baking your chocolate chip cookies and savor the sweet reward that comes with it!