Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: A Delightfully Simple Treat
Are you craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's quick, simple, and delivers that classic chocolate chip cookie taste you adore. Get ready to bake up a batch of deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth and creamy dough.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: The star of the show! Use your favorite kind – semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies every time.
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand (it will just take a little more elbow grease!).
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between the cookies as they will spread while baking.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm, with a glass of milk – the perfect treat!
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie:
- Chill the dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips: The better the chocolate, the better the cookies!
- Experiment with add-ins: Get creative! Add nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookies.
This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get baking! Enjoy the delicious results and the satisfaction of making something truly special from scratch. Happy baking!
