There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house. Whether it’s a special treat for yourself or a crowd-pleaser for a gathering, this classic chocolate chip cookie recipe is a must-have in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a stand mixer, handheld mixer, or by hand with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher cookie.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop or roll the dough into balls by hand.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may appear slightly undercooked, but they will set as the cookies cool.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial as it ensures the cookies maintain their shape.
9. Enjoy the classic chocolate chip cookies with a glass of cold milk or serve them at your next gathering to impress your friends and family!