Craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but short on time and ingredients? This recipe is your answer! Forget complicated measurements and lengthy ingredient lists. We've streamlined the classic into a delicious, six-ingredient wonder, perfect for a quick dessert or a satisfying treat. These easy recipes are ideal for beginner bakers and busy weeknights, proving that homemade cooking can be simple and rewarding.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfectly browned cookies. This simple step elevates your baking game!
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step a breeze, but you can also use a good old-fashioned whisk if you prefer a little arm workout.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Mix in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Again, don't overmix!
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Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk – the perfect homemade cooking reward!
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a better texture.
- Don't Overbake: Slightly underbaked cookies are chewier and often preferred. Start checking for doneness around the 9-minute mark.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, more cakey cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added crunch.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, or even add chopped chocolate bars.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on chocolate type and size)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This quick dinner idea is also a great healthy meal option (in moderation, of course!). These simple, delicious cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!