Are you ready to bake up a batch of cookies that are not only incredibly delicious but also boast a wonderfully unexpected twist? Forget everything you think you know about chocolate chip cookies because this recipe uses olive oil, resulting in incredibly moist, chewy cookies with a subtle, sophisticated flavor. It's a healthy upgrade to a classic, perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a special occasion. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and offers a delightful alternative to traditional recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (can substitute with 1 cup extra virgin olive oil for a healthier twist)
- 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 – get creative!)
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 (or olive oil) and both sugars until light and fluffy. If using olive oil, you may need to slightly increase the mixing time to ensure the sugars are well incorporated.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
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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 & 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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Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold 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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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 as ovens vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter (or room temperature olive oil) is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture.
- 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 prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate chips are a star ingredient, so choose your favorite kind!
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, comforting touch.
- Different Oils: Experiment with other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil for a unique flavor profile. Keep in mind that the flavor of the oil will be more prominent.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate, using olive oil):
- Calories: Around 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These healthy and delicious chocolate chip cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still enjoying a relatively healthy treat. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas, especially when you're craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!