Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie? But perhaps you're also looking for a healthier twist on this classic treat? Look no further! This recipe uses coconut oil for a delightful, subtly sweet flavor and a slightly chewy texture that elevates the humble chocolate chip cookie to new heights. It's a quick and easy recipe perfect for beginner bakers, yet satisfying enough to impress even experienced cooks. Get ready to enjoy the best homemade chocolate chip cookies you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted coconut oil, softened
- 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, 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 Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened coconut oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step a lot easier, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a good arm workout!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Combine: 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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Stir in 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 about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: 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.
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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. The warm, melty chocolate chips are irresistible, but resist the urge to eat them while they’re still hot! Let them cool slightly for the best texture.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:
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Softened Coconut Oil is Key: Make sure your coconut oil is properly softened; this is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. If it's too hard, the cookies will be crumbly.
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
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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.
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Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
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Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts) to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
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Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting spice.
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White Chocolate Cravings: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on chocolate type and size)
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
This easy recipe for delicious chocolate chip cookies offers a healthier alternative by using coconut oil. These cookies are perfect as a quick dessert, a sweet treat for guests, or a simple way to satisfy those chocolate cravings. Enjoy!