Introduction
Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic and a favorite treat around the world. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make a delicious batch. This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe uses simple ingredients and takes just a few steps to achieve a perfectly chewy, gooey cookie with a crispy edge. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a treat for yourself, follow along with this guide to make cookies that are sure to impress.
Why Make Chocolate Chip Cookies at Home?
While you can buy chocolate chip cookies almost anywhere, homemade cookies have a distinct freshness and flavor that you just can’t get from store-bought ones. When you bake cookies at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, which means you can make them as soft, chewy, or chocolatey as you like. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding activity to do alone, with family, or with friends.
Ingredients for Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on how big you make them. Here’s what you’ll need:
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter – softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar – packed
- 2 large eggs – at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – adds depth of flavor
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – adds a slight lift for a chewy texture
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
Chocolate Chips
- 2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips – feel free to use dark, milk, or a mix based on your preference
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-blended. Creaming the butter and sugars properly is key to achieving a tender, chewy cookie.
Tip: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature, not melted, as softened butter incorporates air into the dough and helps the cookies rise.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. This step ensures that all the ingredients are blended well and helps create a smooth dough.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients separately first ensures even distribution, so your cookies bake consistently.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour in the dough.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips. You can adjust the amount based on your preference; if you like extra-chocolaty cookies, feel free to add a few more chips!
7. Scoop and Shape the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. For uniform cookies, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will spread during baking. If you prefer larger cookies, you can use 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
Optional: For a bakery-style look, press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each dough ball before baking.
Baking the Cookies
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers still look slightly soft. For a chewier texture, remove the cookies from the oven when they look slightly under-baked in the center, as they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
Tip: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time for even baking if your oven has hot spots.
9. Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set, ensuring they stay chewy on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges.
Customizing Your Cookies
One of the great things about homemade chocolate chip cookies is that you can make them your own. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a delicious contrast of sweet and salty.
- Try Different Chocolate Chips: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix of all three!
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, fold in ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.
- Make Them Chewier or Crispier: If you prefer extra chewy cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar. For crispier cookies, increase the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing too much flour can make your cookies dense and dry.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth blending and helps the dough rise evenly.
- Chill the Dough if Needed: If your kitchen is warm or the dough is too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Adjust for Altitude: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the baking soda or flour amounts. A quick online search can help you find the right adjustments.
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing Baked Cookies
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extra freshness, place a slice of bread in the container; it’ll keep the cookies soft.
Freezing Cookie Dough
To have cookie dough on hand, freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cookies Spread Too Much: This can happen if the dough is too warm. Chill it before baking or check your butter measurements to make sure you’re not using too much.
- Cookies Too Thick: If your cookies don’t spread enough, it might be due to too much flour. Try measuring flour carefully or reduce it slightly.
- Cookies Too Crispy: Baking for too long can lead to crispy cookies. Reduce the baking time by a minute or two if you prefer a chewy center.
Conclusion
Making chocolate chip cookies at home is a fun, easy, and rewarding experience. This recipe gives you a solid foundation for delicious, chewy cookies with crisp edges, and plenty of chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Experiment with add-ins, customize them to your taste, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!
