Craving something sweet and utterly irresistible? Look no further than these decadent chocolate drop cookies! This easy recipe delivers perfectly chewy cookies bursting with rich, melty chocolate in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness. These make fantastic healthy meals alternatives, perfect as quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these simple yet sensational cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly baked cookies.
Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a tender crumb. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Bring it all together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake to perfection:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them!
- 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 Drop Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – it should be easily spreadable but not melted.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts add a delicious crunch.
- Use different chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination of both.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking enhances the chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
These easy chocolate drop cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. They're quick to make, delicious to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!