Easy Chocolate Cookie Recipe: A Delightfully Simple Treat
Are you craving a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cookie but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy chocolate cookie recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s quick, simple, and yields incredibly satisfying results. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it incredibly convenient. You probably already have most of these ingredients!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base 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: Your choice! Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate – go wild! You can even add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Easy Chocolate Cookie Recipe Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked chocolate 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 the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.
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. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
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! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently stir 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, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake 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. Enjoy your warm, gooey, delicious chocolate cookies!
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cookie:
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies with a chewier texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
- Use good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookies!
- Get creative with add-ins: Try adding nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips.
This easy chocolate cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual weeknight snack to a special gathering. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake some deliciousness! Happy baking!
