These chocolate chip cookies are soft, gooey, and full of sweet chocolate bits! They’re perfect for satisfying any cookie cravings that might sneak up on you.
Let’s face it, nothing beats the smell of fresh cookies baking. I usually eat one (or three) while they cool. Share if you want, but I won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt levels in your cookies. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just ensure it’s also softened for easier mixing.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives cookies a nice texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use just brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor, or coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips are classic, but feel free to mix it up! Dark chocolate or even milk chocolate chips work well too. You can also add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch!
Flour: All-purpose flour is what gives the cookies their structure. For a gluten-free option, consider using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Getting the right cookie texture is all about mixing and baking time. Here are some tips to help you:
- Soften the butter enough so it mixes smoothly but doesn’t melt. This gives cookies a nice, tender crumb.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Keep an eye on baking time. The cookies should look soft in the center when you take them out. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet!
- For chewier cookies, let the dough chill for about 30 minutes before baking. This will improve texture.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chocolate chip cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by 9 to 11 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to set aside about 30 minutes total for cooling, so you can enjoy your warm cookies as soon as possible!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out delicious.
2. Cream The Butter And Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, making your cookies light and fluffy!
3. Add The Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition so everything is nicely combined.
4. Mix The Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep your cookies tender!
6. Stir In The Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to add the star of the show! Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Prepare The Baking Sheet:
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for them to spread while baking.
8. Bake The Cookies:
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should have golden brown edges while the centers remain soft.
9. Cool The Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes—this helps them firm up a little—before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Dig into your fresh and gooey chocolate chip cookies! They’re perfect with a glass of milk or your favorite drink. Don’t forget to share… or keep them all for yourself!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. Just ensure it’s softened to the same consistency as butter to achieve the desired texture in your cookies. However, this may slightly alter the taste.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to help mimic the structure that gluten provides.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they cool completely before freezing, and place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses—1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar will do the trick. Alternatively, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar, though the cookies will be less chewy.
