These chocolate chip cookies are warm, gooey, and a classic treat everyone loves! With chocolatey goodness in every bite, they are perfect for sharing (or not!).
Baking these cookies makes the house smell amazing! I like to enjoy them fresh from the oven with a glass of milk. You can’t beat that combo! 🍪🥛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in the cookies. If you’re out of butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: These sugars give cookies that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. If you want a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light. You can also use coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate is classic, but feel free to experiment! Use milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie or dark chocolate for a richer taste. You could even toss in chopped nuts or different kinds of chocolate!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Cookies?
The texture of these chocolate chip cookies depends largely on how you handle the dough. Here are my tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Cream it well with the sugars to create air pockets that help the cookies rise.
- Don’t over-mix your dough after adding the flour. Mix just until combined; this keeps the cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better and enhances the flavor.
- Keep an eye on baking time. They’re ready when the edges are golden, and the centers look soft!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the cookie dough and then another 9 to 11 minutes to bake. After that, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. So, in total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies won’t stick.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended together.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed in the flour.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, or the cookies might be tough!
6. Adding the Chocolate Chips:
Now, it’s time to fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough.
7. Scooping the Dough:
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart because they will spread while baking.
8. Adding Flaky Sea Salt:
If you’d like, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball for an added burst of flavor!
9. Baking the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown while keeping the centers soft.
10. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before moving them.
11. Enjoying Your Cookies:
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm right away! They’re perfect with a glass of milk.
These chocolate chip cookies will have a soft center with slightly crisp edges and delightful pockets of melted chocolate. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter if needed. Just make sure to use a stick form for the best texture, as tub margarines can contain more water and affect the cookie’s consistency.
How Can I Make These Cookies Chewier?
For chewier cookies, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps develop the flavors and keeps the cookies softer. Additionally, using more brown sugar than granulated sugar can enhance chewiness!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 3 months!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even add dried fruits or various types of chocolate chips. Just make sure not to exceed the total amount of chocolate chips (about 2 cups) to prevent overloading the dough!
