Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our classic chocolate chip cookies are perfect every time, easy to whip up quick and a crowd pleaser. Whip these up in a single afternoon or freeze them for a rainy day.

Freshly baked classic chocolate chip cookies cooling on a rack

Ingredients You Will Need

The foundation of any great chocolate chip cookie is quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2.25 Cups of All Purpose Flour

• 1 tsp of baking soda.

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoon

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup chocolate chips, milk or semi-sweet

  
  

Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, and brown sugar adds a slight caramel note that makes the cookies richer.

Step-by-Step Baking Process

Preparing the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. Cream butter and sugars: Beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cookie’s texture.

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

5. Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

   
   

Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.

Baking Tips

• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading and improves flavor.

• Use parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.

• Space cookies properly: Leave about 2 inches between dough balls to allow spreading.

• Bake at 375°F: This temperature ensures even cooking without burning.

• Watch the baking time: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft.

  
  

Cooling and Storing

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the dough or baked cookies.

Variations to Try

Once you master the classic recipe, you can experiment with these variations:

• Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor.

• Use different chocolates: Try dark, milk, or white chocolate chips.

• Add oats: For a chewier texture and a hint of nuttiness.

• Sprinkle sea salt: A pinch on top before baking enhances sweetness.

  
  

Each variation changes the cookie experience while keeping the core deliciousness intact.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Using melted butter: This can cause cookies to spread too much and become thin.

• Overbaking: Cookies continue to cook after removal from the oven. Take them out when edges are set but centers look soft.

• Skipping chilling: Warm dough spreads too quickly, resulting in flat cookies.

• Measuring flour incorrectly: Scooping flour directly with a cup packs it down, leading to dry cookies. Instead, spoon flour into the cup and level it off.

  
  

Paying attention to these details will improve your baking results significantly.

Tools That Make Baking Easier

• Mixing bowls: Use at least two, one for dry and one for wet ingredients.

• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Speeds up creaming butter and sugar.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key.

• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes.

• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation to cool cookies evenly.

  
  

Having the right tools helps maintain consistency and makes baking more enjoyable.

Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough.

• Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.

• Let cookies cool before stacking to avoid sogginess.

• Experiment with baking times to find your preferred texture.