The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
As the leaves turn golden and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a batch of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house. The sweet aroma of melting chocolate mingling with the richness of warm butter is enough to bring anyone running to the kitchen. These cookies are a delightful childhood memory for many of us, evoking images of cozy afternoons spent in the warmth of home, waiting for that oven timer to beep. This is a recipe that promises to recreate those tender moments, perfect for any season, especially as we approach the holiday gatherings. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, these cookies are a quick and easy weeknight treat.
- The balances of brown and granulated sugar create a delightfully chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- With generous amounts of chocolate chips, each cookie offers a rich, indulgent bite, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Great for sharing at holiday parties or cozy gatherings with friends and family.
- Versatile enough for you to customize with your favorite mix-ins for added fun!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt together until smooth and creamy, a process that takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated, allowing the mixture to become light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing so your cookies stay tender.
- Fold in the rich semisweet chocolate chips, making sure each bite is loaded with chocolatey goodness.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space in between for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, with a soft center.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the anticipation as they cool!
Delicious Variations to Try
While these cookies are already homey and perfect, why not jazz them up a bit? Here are some delicious twists:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Fold in creamy peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of rolled oats for added texture and a chewy bite.
- Sea Salt Sprinkled: Just before baking, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top for a sophisticated twist on the classic cookie.
- Nut Lover’s Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- If you want to make a batch ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and then chill it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just scoop out and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
- If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies or dough, and enjoy them later!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough a couple of days in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap in different types of chocolate chips or add your favorite mix-ins.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How long does it last?
These delicious cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you store them as mentioned, they should last about a week.
Wrapping It Up
As you place these warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies on the cooling rack, the feelings of nostalgia and warmth will wrap around you like a soft blanket. There’s something so comforting about sharing these homemade delights with loved ones or sneaking a few for yourself in a cozy corner with a good book. Save this The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Print
The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful homemade chocolate chip cookies with a chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, chocolate chip, dessert, homemade, baking