Indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. This classic recipe yields cookies that are soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crispy edge. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a beloved treat that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a late-night snack, or looking for a thoughtful gift, these chocolate chip cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to beat until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
- You can customize your cookies by mixing in different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
- For chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.