Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something special about biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven. The combination of buttery dough and sweet chocolate creates a comfort food that brings back fond memories. This recipe for Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies guarantees soft, chewy cookies that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a party, or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!
Why Make This Recipe
These chocolate chip cookies stand out for several reasons. First, they are incredibly soft and chewy, thanks to the right balance of butter and sugars. Second, this recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level. Lastly, the chocolate chips melt beautifully, creating little pockets of delight in each bite. Once you make these cookies, they’ll become your go-to recipe!
How to Make Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This crucial step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the dry ingredients.
Using an electric mixer, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating the foundation for soft, tender cookies.
Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each ingredient is well incorporated to develop a rich, consistent flavor.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Blend just until the ingredients are combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using) with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching carefully. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. Remember, they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best served warm right out of the oven. You can enjoy them as they are, or pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. They also make a great dessert for parties or an afternoon snack.
How to Store Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- For a fun twist, try using different types of chocolate chips or adding a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
Variation
If you’d like to mix things up, consider adding white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries. You could also try replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown sugar only instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use only brown sugar, but it may give your cookies a denser texture and a stronger molasses flavor.
2. What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, chill it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer periods. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready!
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened, not melted.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Use your choice of nuts.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Mixing
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts with a spatula.
Baking
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, space about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
