Classic, soft chocolate chip cookies. These chewy chocolate chip cookies are a breeze to make and even easier to devour!
There's a reason why chocolate chip cookies are a beloved classic. They're the quintessential comfort food, the perfect after-school snack, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. These warm, gooey discs of joy are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples.
But amidst a world of fancy desserts and complicated recipes, these cookies offer a return to baking basics. They're a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things are the most satisfying.
Beyond Ordinary: A Cookie with a History
The chocolate chip cookie is a relatively young invention, emerging in the early 20th century in Massachusetts. But it quickly rose to superstardom, finding its way into countless cookbooks and becoming a staple in kitchens across America. There's something undeniably nostalgic about these cookies, evoking memories of childhood bake sales and warm kitchens.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are required. Here are a few tips for guaranteed chocolate chip cookie success:
Creaming is Key: Creaming together the butter and sugars is essential for achieving that signature soft and chewy texture. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature and beat it with the sugars until light and fluffy.
Don't Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chocolatey Chips of Joy: The type of chocolate chips you use can significantly impact the flavor of your cookies. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. But feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even a mixture of different kinds for a flavor explosion!
The Perfect Bite: Tastes & Textures
The magic of a chocolate chip cookie lies in the perfect harmony of its various elements:
Chewy Base: The creaming process and the use of brown sugar contribute to the chewy texture that defines a great chocolate chip cookie.
Crisp Edges: Baking the cookies at the right temperature ensures slightly crisp edges that provide a delightful textural contrast to the chewy center.
Melty Chocolate Chunks: Chocolate chips are the stars of the show, adding bursts of sweetness and chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Pro Tip: Feeling adventurous? Don't be afraid to add a twist to your classic chocolate chip cookies! Try chopping up some nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an added textural crunch. You can also mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
SERVINGS: 20 COOKIES | TIME: 30 MINUTES | SOURCE: BAKED & SMOKED
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups (355 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (170 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups (230 g) semisweet chocolate chips
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line at least 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside
Step 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the sugars and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the eggs and vanilla, and mix again until smooth. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Add the chocolate and mix into the batter on low speed.
Step 3
Form the dough into balls (or use cookie scoop) to into 1 1/2 ounces (approximately 45 g). Placing no more than 8 cookies on each sheet pan.
Step 4
Bake for a total of 10 minutes, one pan at a time, rotating halfway through. Give the pan a tap before removing from the oven to flatten, and move to a wire rack to cool. Let the cookies cool completely before removing from the pan.
Step 5
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.