Are you craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but don't have brown sugar on hand? Don't despair! This recipe proves that you can achieve that perfect, chewy texture without it. This easy recipe delivers delicious homemade cookies without any fuss, perfect for a quick dessert or a thoughtful gift. It's one of the best recipes for those busy weeknights when you need a simple yet satisfying meal. This recipe is a lifesaver for those impromptu baking sessions and is easily adaptable to suit your preferences, making it a top choice among quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon 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:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the trick too. This step is key to getting that perfect cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- 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 can vary.
- 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 Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a good 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. This allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, or even add chopped chunks of your favorite chocolate bar.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, comforting spice to these cookies.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 10-12g
These chocolate chip cookies are a delicious and easy treat that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking, and let us know how your cookies turn out! This recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your collection of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Happy baking!