Chocolate chip cookies recipe that’s simple and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer (or by hand) until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) with a spatula or spoon.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart, as they will spread while baking.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep an eye on them, as oven times may vary.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Butter: Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Cookie Size: Larger cookies will need a few extra minutes of baking time, while smaller cookies will bake faster.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before baking to prevent spreading too much and to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
More delicious recipes can be found on our recipe page
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved type of cookie that originated in the United States in the 1930s. They’re famous for their combination of a soft, chewy texture with the delightful burst of flavor from semi-sweet chocolate chips scattered throughout.
History:
The chocolate chip cookie was created by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. She was experimenting with recipes and added chopped-up pieces of a Nestlé chocolate bar to a batch of cookies. The chocolate didn’t melt completely, and instead, it formed the signature chocolate chips that we know today. Ruth’s recipe became so popular that Nestlé later partnered with her to produce pre-packaged chocolate chips, which she sold the rights to, in exchange for a lifetime supply of Nestlé chocolate.
Ingredients:
Traditional chocolate chip cookies typically include:
- Flour: The base for the cookie dough.
- Butter: Gives the cookies their rich flavor and tender texture.
- Sugar: Both white granulated sugar and brown sugar are often used, contributing to the sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together.
- Baking soda or baking powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and spread.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: The star of the cookie, often semi-sweet, but other variations use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.
Variations:
While the classic chocolate chip cookie is a favorite, there are countless variations:
- Chewy vs. Crispy: Chewy cookies are typically made with more brown sugar and less flour, while crispy ones use more white sugar.
- Different types of chocolate: Some people use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or a mix of different types of chocolate.
- Add-ins: Pecans, walnuts, or even oats can be added to customize the texture and flavor.
- Vegan or gluten-free options: By replacing butter with plant-based alternatives and using gluten-free flour, you can make chocolate chip cookies suitable for various dietary preferences.