Are you craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but short on vanilla extract? Don't worry! This recipe delivers all the classic chocolate chip cookie goodness without relying on vanilla. It's a simple, delicious recipe perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, proving that sometimes the easiest recipes are the best recipes. Get ready to bake up a batch of these perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treats – no vanilla extract required!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed 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, 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. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also do it by hand – just be prepared for a bit of a workout!
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Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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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! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake: 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 – ovens vary!
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Cool: 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 – not melted, but pliable. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, comforting touch.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate, dark chocolate chunks, or even chopped chocolate bars.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on ingredients and size)
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time. Enjoy these delicious, homemade cookies – a quick dinner dessert or a delightful treat! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, proving that even the simplest recipes can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. Happy baking!