Are you craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but hesitant about using butter? This recipe delivers all the classic chocolate chip cookie goodness, using vegetable oil instead of butter for a deliciously moist and easy-to-make treat! It's perfect for beginner bakers and busy weeknights, proving that homemade deliciousness doesn't have to be complicated. This simple recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, especially if you adapt it with whole wheat flour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) vegetable oil (any neutral-flavored oil works well)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or try whole wheat for a healthier twist!)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay!
Mix in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and oil ensures even mixing and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
- 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. This allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, comforting flavor.
- Dried fruit: Incorporate ½ cup chopped raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots.
- Different chocolate: Experiment with white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a combination of chocolates.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
These values are estimates and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe with vegetable oil is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy these homemade delicious dishes as a comforting treat for any occasion, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a simple and satisfying homemade cooking experience. These are great for sharing, but you might find it hard to resist eating them all yourself!