Are you ready to bake some unbelievably delicious chocolate chip cookies, but you're out of vanilla extract? Don't despair! This recipe proves that those classic chewy, gooey cookies are still totally achievable without that common ingredient. We're going to create a slightly different flavor profile that's equally satisfying – maybe even better! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a simple, yet rewarding baking experience. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy-ish and undeniably delicious!
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, dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This ensures it mixes smoothly with the sugars. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out. This makes the baking process a breeze!
Step 2: Cream Together 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. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too – just be prepared for a little arm workout!
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter will start to come together nicely.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfectly risen cookies.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
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 result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips until they're evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Resist the urge to eat the dough raw (although we understand the temptation!).
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookies!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 9-minute mark.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookies!
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 can complement the chocolate beautifully.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips – white chocolate, dark chocolate with sea salt, or even chocolate chunks.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
This easy recipe offers a delightful homemade cooking experience, resulting in delicious dishes perfect for sharing. These chocolate chip cookies, made without vanilla, are a testament to the fact that simple adjustments can lead to new favorite recipes. Enjoy!