Craving a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie but don't want to bake a whole batch? This recipe delivers twelve perfect cookies, ideal for a small treat or a quick satisfying dessert. No more leftover cookies going stale! This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (within reason!), or quick dinner ideas to complement. It’s a simple homemade cooking project that even beginner bakers can master. Let’s get started on these delicious dishes!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step easier, but it's perfectly doable by hand.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Portion & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened—not melted, but easily spreadable. This ensures a smooth, creamy cookie.
- 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.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination for a unique flavor profile.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
This recipe offers a delightful balance of easy preparation and delicious results. Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without spending hours in the kitchen, these twelve perfect chocolate chip cookies are a true testament to the joys of homemade cooking. Enjoy!