Are you craving warm, gooey cookies but find yourself without baking soda? Don't despair! This recipe proves you can create incredibly delicious cookies without it. These chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for a quick dessert or a satisfying homemade snack. Get ready to enjoy the simple pleasure of easy recipes and delicious dishes made with readily available ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and offers a delightful twist on a classic. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 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 salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins!)
Instructions:
Step 1: 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. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results – it will save you time and effort.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour 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.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles).
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 6: 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, chewy cookies!
Tips for the Best 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 the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace some of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips or add peanut butter to the dough.
- Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a hearty twist.
- Snickerdoodle Cookies: Add cinnamon and sugar to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These cookies are a perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. They’re a great quick dinner idea for a sweet treat, and a delicious way to enjoy healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for simple food recipes, and guarantees a batch of perfectly chewy, delightful cookies every time. Enjoy!