Ah, the smell of classic chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven—it’s like a warm hug for your senses! These cookies take me back to my childhood, where every bite was pure bliss. This classic chocolate chip cookies recipe strikes that perfect harmony between soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. Trust me, whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch of these delightful treats. They’re perfect for sharing, or, let’s be real, for keeping all to yourself on a cozy night in. Get ready for some serious cookie magic!
Ingredients List
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
How to Prepare This Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Let’s get into the fun part—making these delightful cookies! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the flour and baking soda. This combines the dry ingredients and ensures there’s no clumping. Set that aside for now.
Prepping Your Dough
In a large mixing bowl, you’ll want to cream the unsalted butter and both sugars together using a mixer on medium speed. Aim for that light and fluffy texture—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to a chewy cookie! Next, add in the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until everything is well combined. Now, gradually add your flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in those glorious chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking Techniques
Now, scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound—this is super important for that perfect cookie spread! Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for those edges to turn a lovely golden brown while the centers stay soft and slightly underbaked. Trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Cooling and Storing
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes transferring a breeze. After that, move them to wire racks to cool completely. Now, if you can resist the temptation to eat them all right away, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long! For even longer freshness, you can pop them in the freezer and thaw as needed. Oh, the joy of having cookies on demand!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each classic chocolate chip cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. Enjoy your baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—whip up a batch in just 27 minutes!
- Rich, buttery flavor paired with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
- Perfectly chewy texture that brings nostalgia with each cookie.
- Versatile recipe—add nuts, use different chocolate types, or even throw in a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra kick!
- Great for sharing, gifting, or just indulging on your own.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s talk about some pro tips to elevate your cookie game! First off, consider chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This not only helps the flavors meld but also results in thicker, chewier cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing different types of chocolate chips—dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips can add a fun twist! Keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different, so check your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want those edges golden brown but the centers soft to achieve that perfect chewy texture. Trust me; these little tweaks can make all the difference!
Variations
One of the best things about this classic chocolate chip cookies recipe is how adaptable it is! For a nutty twist, feel free to add in some chopped walnuts or pecans for that extra crunch. If you’re a dark chocolate lover, swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to deepen the flavor. Want to get creative? Try incorporating a teaspoon of almond or hazelnut extract for a unique taste. You can even mix in some shredded coconut or a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
These classic chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but why not take it up a notch? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience—think cookie sandwiches! You can also pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee to enhance those rich flavors. For an elegant touch, arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! One common issue is dealing with dry dough. If your dough feels crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together. This can help achieve that perfect consistency. When it comes to storing your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option—just make sure to wrap them tightly! For those baking at higher altitudes, you might need to adjust the flour slightly and bake a tad longer, so keep an eye on them. And remember, every oven is different, so trust your instincts when it comes to baking time. Happy baking!
For more tips on baking cookies, check out King Arthur Baking.
Print
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: 5 Tips for Success
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic chocolate chip cookies recipe yields soft, chewy cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and a rich chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add salt, vanilla, and eggs; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- For a different flavor, try adding nuts or using dark chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, classic cookies, baking recipe
