Chocolate Chip Cookies
Discover The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Illustrated Guide to Baking. Step-by-step visuals, tips, and variations for perfect cookies every time!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure. Want chewier cookies? Swap a small portion for bread flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The key to light perfectly risen cookies.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Don’t skip this—it amplifies the sweetness and enhances flavor balance.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened: Creates a rich, buttery base. Pro tip: For extra flavor, brown the butter and let it cool before using.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness. Use room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances every other flavor in the recipe with a warm sweet note.
Mix-Ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Semi-sweet is classic but you can experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate.
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Helpful Tips
- Measure with care: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid overpacking which can make your cookies dense.
- Chill for perfection: Chilling the dough coming up in the instructions is crucial for a better texture and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment the cookies hit the oven.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until the texture is smooth and fluffy—this step creates the foundation for soft and tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the rich, sweet flavor of your cookies.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to dense cookies. Stop as soon as the flour is fully blended.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) with a spatula. This step ensures every cookie has a generous helping of chocolate.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
- For the best texture, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances their flavor.
Step 8: Shape the Dough
- Scoop the dough into 1 ½-tablespoon portions and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look slightly underdone. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, treat yourself to one warm—there’s nothing better than melty chocolate in every bite!
Notes
Baking Time Adjustments: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking—slightly underbaking gives a gooey center, while a longer bake creates crisp edges.
Chocolate Choices: Use a mix of semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips for a dynamic flavor, or chop up your favorite chocolate bar for a rustic look.
Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for days.