There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into the world of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups chocolate chips
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweet aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips to ensure equal distribution throughout the dough. You can use your favorite type of chocolate, whether it’s dark, milk, or a combination. Some bakers even like to add chopped nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Shape the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures.
