Craving that warm, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookie experience? Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking times! This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe uses just one stick of butter, making it the perfect quick dinner dessert or satisfying treat for any time. It's a simple, delicious dish, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels – from beginners to experienced bakers. Get ready to enjoy the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This 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. An electric mixer makes this step super easy, but you can also do it by hand!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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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.
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Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
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Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
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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, as oven temperatures can vary!
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – it should be easily spreadable. This ensures a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- 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 in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking Time Variation: Thinner cookies will bake faster, while thicker cookies will need a bit more time.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate, dark chocolate chunks, or even chopped chocolate bars.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This one-stick-of-butter chocolate chip cookie recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale contribution, or just a little self-indulgence, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!