Are you ready to bake the most incredible chocolate chip cookies you've ever tasted? Forget those flat, disappointing cookies; this recipe delivers the ultimate Mrs. Fields experience – thick, chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate chips. It's a homemade cooking triumph, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, impressing friends, or simply enjoying a warm, delicious treat. This easy recipe is ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your baking game!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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 is easiest with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with a little elbow grease. The key is to incorporate plenty of air for those wonderfully soft cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, 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. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Don't be shy with them! The more chocolate, the merrier.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the best results, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. Chilling also intensifies the flavors.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 7: 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 warm with a glass of milk!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your chocolate chips will significantly impact the taste of your cookies.
- Don't overbake: Slightly underbaked cookies will be chewier.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and baking.
- Measure your flour correctly: Don't scoop flour directly from the bag; spoon it into your measuring cup for accurate measurements.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delicious nutty twist.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination of both.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy homemade chocolate chip cookies. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert or a special treat, this Mrs. Fields inspired recipe will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!