Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chocolate chip cookies hold a timeless spot in the hearts of dessert lovers. They’re simple, classic, and absolutely irresistible when made just right. Whether you like them soft and chewy, slightly crispy on the edges, or gooey in the center, a perfect chocolate chip cookie is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

1. Perfect Texture: Crisp edges and a chewy center that stays soft.
2. Rich Flavor: A balanced combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla enhances the chocolate chips.
3. Easy to Make: Straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can follow.
4. Customizable: You can tweak it to add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   • Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
   • Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed.
   • Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
   • Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using) with a spatula.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Why Chill?
   • Chilling prevents spreading during baking and enhances flavor.
2. How to Chill:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Scoop and Shape:
   • Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into evenly sized balls (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each).
   • Space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
3. Optional Step:
   • Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie ball for a gourmet touch.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly undercooked.
   • Remember, cookies continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
5. Cool:
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter, vanilla extract, and chocolate make a noticeable difference.
2. Softened Butter, Not Melted: Room-temperature butter creams better with sugar, creating a fluffy dough.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough cookies.
4. Chill the Dough: A cold dough holds its shape better during baking.
5. Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.

Variations

1. Triple Chocolate: Add white and dark chocolate chips for a triple chocolate experience.
2. Peanut Butter Twist: Swap half the butter for peanut butter and mix in peanut butter chips.
3. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Replace 1/2 cup flour with rolled oats for added texture.
4. Holiday Version: Add festive sprinkles or chopped peppermint candy during the holidays.
5. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a GF-friendly version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A: Yes! Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water).

Q: How do I get cookies to stay soft?
A: Store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread will keep the cookies soft by providing moisture.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat cookies?
A: Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling your home. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, with an irresistible burst of chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting, or treating yourself, these cookies are bound to impress. Try them today and discover the joy of baking the best chocolate chip cookies ever!

Yield: 24

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Print

Chocolate chip cookies hold a timeless spot in the hearts of dessert lovers. They’re simple, classic, and absolutely irresistible when made just right. Whether you like them soft and chewy, slightly crispy on the edges, or gooey in the center, a perfect chocolate chip cookie is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Chill Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (100g) chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.

5. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts

1. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using).
2. For best results, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step enhances flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

6. Shape and Bake

1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set but still soft.

7. Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the perfect consistency.

Chilling Dough: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and intensifies the flavor.

Baking Time: For softer cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.