Description
These deliciously chewy chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat, featuring a perfect balance of soft centers and golden edges. Made with a simple combination of flour, butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies can also optionally include chopped nuts for added texture. Ideal for satisfying any sweet craving, they bake quickly and are perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready once your cookie dough is prepared.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. This step incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough incorporation. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients gently, mixing just until combined to prevent overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them adequately apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown while the centers stay soft for that chewy texture. Remove and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar and slightly reduce white sugar.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Adding nuts is optional but adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to wire racks to prevent breaking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.
