Are you craving that warm, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth sensation of a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie? Look no further! This recipe uses the rich, intense flavor of Ghirardelli chocolate chips to create a cookie experience that's simply unforgettable. It's a delicious dish perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out with homemade cooking. This easy recipe is also a fantastic quick dinner idea if you're looking for a simple yet impressive dessert.
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 Ghirardelli chocolate chips (milk, dark, or a mix – your choice!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Batter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Chocolate Chip Infusion
Stir in the Ghirardelli chocolate chips. Don't be shy! The more chocolate, the merrier.
Step 5: Baking Time
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying
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 warm, delicious, homemade Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking Time Variation: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the batter for added crunch.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of Ghirardelli chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, bittersweet, or even white chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and chocolate type)
These easy-to-follow instructions ensure even beginners can create these healthy meals and delicious dishes. Enjoy this best recipe and share it with your friends and family! They will thank you for it.