Posted by If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate chip cookies recipe that hits all the right notes, you’ve arrived at the perfect destination! This recipe is designed for cookie enthusiasts who appreciate simplicity without sacrificing flavor. With no complicated ingredients or lengthy chilling times, you can whip up a batch of these delectable cookies in no time. They turn out wonderfully soft, chewy, and slightly doughy in the center, yet fully baked—guaranteed to please every cookie lover!
Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Cookies
- Salted Butter: The star of the show is butter, and while I prefer salted butter for its rich flavor, unsalted butter can work beautifully as well. If you opt for unsalted, just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe according to your preference.
- Granulated Sugar: For this recipe, regular granulated sugar is your go-to. You might also consider organic cane sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, making it an essential ingredient in these cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Using unbleached all-purpose flour ensures a more authentic cookie texture. Many bakers have successfully substituted gluten-free flour in this recipe, making it versatile for those with dietary restrictions.
- Sea Salt: I always use pure, fine sea salt for baking. It’s essential to note that sea salt is different from table salt. If you decide to use table salt, start with a lesser amount, about half a teaspoon, and adjust to taste.
- Chocolate Chips: The hallmark of a chocolate chip cookie! Feel free to mix it up with chocolate chunks or even chopped chocolate. Just make sure you have two cups for that perfect chocolatey goodness.
Freezing Cookie Dough: A Baker’s Secret
One of the greatest advantages of this chocolate chip cookie recipe is its ability to produce a large batch. This means you can save some dough for future cravings! Freezing cookie dough is straightforward and allows you to have cookies ready for unexpected guests or when the craving strikes.
Steps for Freezing Cookie Dough:
- Flash-Freezing: After mixing your dough, roll it into balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure they’re spaced apart. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the dough balls are firm but not frozen solid.
- Storage: Once slightly frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months without losing quality.
Baking Frozen Dough: Convenience at Its Best
There are two primary methods for baking frozen cookie dough, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule best.
- Thawing Method: This is ideal for spontaneous baking sessions. Simply remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly with a cloth and let them thaw for about 1-2 hours, depending on your kitchen temperature. Once thawed, bake as directed.
- Baking from Frozen: If you’re in a hurry, you can bake the cookies straight from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen dough on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15 minutes. The cookies may appear slightly more browned on top, but don’t worry; they’ll taste just as wonderful!
The Baking Process: Timing is Everything
When it’s time to bake your cookies, follow these crucial steps for the best results:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Line three baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Portion the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll 2-3 tablespoons of dough into balls. Space them evenly on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball.
- Bake: Place the trays in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The cookies should look slightly undercooked when you remove them from the oven; this is perfectly normal and desired. They’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Cooling: Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up nicely, ensuring that they maintain their chewy center.
- Storage: If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze any extras for up to two months.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie
- Do Not Overbake: The key to soft, chewy cookies is to pull them from the oven when they still look a little underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to personalize your cookies by adding nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate. The possibilities are endless!
- Make it a Family Activity: Baking cookies is a great way to spend time with loved ones. Get the kids involved by letting them help roll the dough or decorate the cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is a fan favorite! It’s straightforward and yields delicious, chewy cookies every time, with no special ingredients or long preparation times.
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Servings
Makes approximately 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (approximately 14 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, about one minute.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Using 2-3 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they just begin to turn golden brown around the edges.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 183 per cookie
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
- Sodium: 153mg
- Potassium: 31mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 197IU
- Calcium: 24mg
- Iron: 1mg
