These chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness! They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and sharing with friends.
I can’t resist the smell of them baking! Warm cookies right out of the oven are a little slice of heaven. I always have to save a few for later, but let’s be honest, it’s tough! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Each will give a slightly different texture, but still delicious!
Baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and become soft. Baking powder can be used in a pinch, but you might want to reduce the amount, using about 1.5 teaspoons instead.
Salt: Adds depth to the cookie’s flavor. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, you might skip it, but a tiny pinch can enhance sweetness.
Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, you can reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How Do You Achieve Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the texture just right can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to help you make cookies that are crispy on the edges and chewy in the middle:
- Start with softened butter, not melted. This gives the cookies a better structure.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you’ve added the flour, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven. They’ll look slightly underdone when you take them out; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Bills Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
For the Cookie Mixture:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Chocolate Chips:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll want to add a little bit of time for cooling, but they are super quick to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps keep the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well and set aside. This will ensure even distribution of the baking soda and salt in the dough.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the vanilla extract and mix it up.
4. Add the Eggs:
Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate the eggs evenly into the dough.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your butter and sugar mix. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now comes the best part! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each because they will spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. Just make sure to use the stick variety for baking to get the right consistency. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can mix and match chocolate chips according to your preference. Try using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist. You could also add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Just place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking, as cold dough can be harder to handle.
