Easy Chocolate Cookies Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Treat
Are you craving a warm, gooey chocolate cookie but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This easy chocolate cookies recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's quick, simple, and yields incredibly delicious results – guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth, creamy cookie dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper molasses flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or chunks.
Instructions for Perfectly Baked Chocolate Cookies:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cookies:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is 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 result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between the cookies, as they will spread during baking.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
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.
Tips for Extra Delicious Chocolate Cookies:
- Chill the dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use different chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other ingredients like dried cranberries, raisins, or espresso powder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by about ½ teaspoon.
Q: How long do the cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate cookies! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy baking!
