Introduction: There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe will help you achieve gooey, chewy perfection every time. Let’s dive into the secrets that make this recipe a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup (120 grams) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar at medium speed until the mixture is creamy and lightened in color, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- 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 on low speed just until the flour is blended in.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
- Fold in the chocolate chips and, if using, nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
- Cooling:
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Chilling the Dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help in controlling the spread of the cookies and intensifying the flavors.
- Baking in Batches: For consistent results, bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven.
Conclusion: Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookies doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily whip up a batch that’s sure to impress. Remember, the key to delicious cookies lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love you put into baking them. Happy baking!