Craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This recipe uses just one stick of butter and delivers perfectly delicious cookies with minimal effort. It's the perfect blend of easy recipes and homemade cooking, ideal for a quick weeknight treat or a delightful weekend baking project. These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (we'll only use 1 stick!)
- 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 – 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 Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup (1 stick) of softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Using an electric mixer makes this step much quicker and easier.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
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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!
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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 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.
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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 Perfect Cookie:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. 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 Varies: Oven temperatures can differ, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added crunch.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, or even add chunks of chocolate bars.
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These easy chocolate chip cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Their simple preparation makes them ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks seeking a quick and delicious dessert. Enjoy the homemade goodness!