Are you ready to bake the most delicious, chewy chocolate chip cookies you've ever tasted? Forget everything you think you know about needing vanilla extract – this recipe proves it's totally optional! These cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight treat, or a fun weekend baking project. Get ready to enjoy the rich, buttery, intensely chocolatey goodness! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meal options (when enjoyed in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
-
Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer will do the trick too!
-
Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
-
Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips.
-
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
-
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 as ovens can vary!
-
Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures a smooth, creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time Variations: Thinner cookies will bake faster, thicker cookies will take longer. Start checking for doneness around the 9-minute mark.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts add a delicious crunch.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, or even add chunks of chocolate bars.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise estimate.
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking endeavors. Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make chocolate chip cookies! They're perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth craving.