Are you craving the warm, gooey comfort of a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie? Forget those store-bought disappointments! Today, we're diving into a recipe that delivers on the promise of homemade happiness: the ultimate Better Homes chocolate chip cookie. This isn't just another cookie recipe; it's a journey to crispy edges, chewy centers, and a flavor that will have you reaching for another (and another!). This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, offering a straightforward approach to creating truly delicious homemade cookies, making it a great addition to your easy recipes collection. Get ready to elevate your baking game!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – or a mix!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
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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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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in perfectly textured cookies.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
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Chocolate Chip Bliss: Stir in the chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative here! Add nuts, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch.
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Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows for proper spreading and prevents them from merging together.
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Baking Time: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cooling and Enjoyment: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy. Once cool, enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies!
Tips for the Perfect Cookie:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this ensures proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing leads to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dry ingredients.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: Substitute white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
This Better Homes chocolate chip cookie recipe is a simple yet effective way to create a delicious treat, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! These quick dinner ideas will be a tasty addition to your weeknight routine, or perfect for a delightful weekend treat. Homemade cooking at its finest! This recipe offers one of the best recipes for delicious dishes, adding a touch of comfort and sweetness to your everyday life. Try it today and experience the joy of baking these easy recipes.