These chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with yummy chocolate chips! They’re a classic treat that everyone loves, perfect for sharing or just enjoying at home.
Who can resist the smell of cookies baking? I can’t! 😊 I usually make a big batch and freeze some for later. It’s like having cookie magic waiting for you whenever you want a sweet bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is essential for the cookie structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found that some blends work just as well!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, you can substitute with margarine or even coconut oil for a different flavor. Just be aware it might change the cookie’s texture a bit.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar keeps the cookies sweet and chewy. You can use all brown sugar for a richer taste, or try coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet is the classic choice, but feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips. For a fun twist, try adding white chocolate chips or even nuts for crunch!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The secret to achieving that perfect soft and chewy cookie texture lies in a few key steps:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve that desired creaminess.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough once you add the flour. Just mix until combined to keep the cookies light.
- Measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method to avoid packing it.
- Underbake just slightly! Remove the cookies when the edges are golden but the center looks a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
These tips will help you bake cookies that are perfectly soft in the middle and crispy on the edges, just the way we love them!
Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to bake, plus a bit of cooling time afterward. So you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to enjoy those delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First thing’s first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your cookies bake evenly and come out nice and golden.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a little mix with a whisk or spoon just to combine everything and set it aside for later.
3. Cream Your Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together until it’s creamy and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs:
Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This will help keep your cookie dough nice and smooth.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually beat it in with your mixer until everything is well blended. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay to have a few lumps!
6. Stir in the Chocolate Chips:
Now, grab a spatula or a wooden spoon and gently stir in the chocolate chips by hand. You want to make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded amounts of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. This allows them to spread without sticking together.
8. Bake:
Pop your baking sheets in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
9. Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the amazing smell filling your kitchen!
There you have it! These cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips—what more could you want? Enjoy your baking! 🍪
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use all brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that using only brown sugar may make the cookies denser.
What Should I Do if My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to scoop and shape!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Of course! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or mix in some M&M’s or dried fruit for a twist. Just keep the total amount of add-ins about 2 cups total to maintain the cookie’s texture.