Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Name: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons hot water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or sneaking one fresh out of the oven, these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers. This classic recipe is simple yet foolproof, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers. If you love cookies loaded with chocolate and walnuts, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended for a nutty crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture. While the oven is warming up, get your ingredients measured and ready.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of white sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix the ingredients until the texture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential for giving your cookies a soft, chewy interior. Using both white and brown sugar adds a richer flavor and better moisture to the cookies.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the flavor of the cookie, adding depth to the sweetness.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda Mixture

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 teaspoons of hot water. This step may seem a bit unusual, but it ensures even distribution of the baking soda throughout the dough, which helps the cookies rise properly. Add the dissolved baking soda mixture and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the batter.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Be sure to mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Fold in 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. The walnuts are optional, but they add a delicious texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. You can make them as large or small as you like, but remember, larger cookies will take slightly longer to bake.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center might look slightly underbaked when you take them out, but this is ideal if you want soft, chewy cookies. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set and develop their full texture. Plus, it’s the perfect time to sneak a warm cookie while they’re still soft and gooey!

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter helps incorporate air into the dough, giving you light, fluffy cookies.
Measuring Flour: Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. Use the scoop and level method or weigh your flour for accuracy.
Chocolate Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can add exciting twists to the classic recipe.
Nut-Free Option: If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, simply omit the walnuts from the recipe. You’ll still have a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Makes 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutritional Facts per Cookie

Calories: Approx. 220 kcal
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 120mg

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are the epitome of comfort food. They boast crispy edges, a gooey, chocolatey center, and a slight crunch from the walnuts (if you choose to include them). The combination of butter, sugars, and vanilla creates a flavor that’s hard to beat, while the semisweet chocolate chips melt into pockets of pure indulgence with every bite.

FAQs About Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I freeze chocolate chip cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Cookies can spread if the dough is too warm or if there’s too much butter. To avoid this, you can refrigerate your dough for about 30 minutes before baking, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

Yes, but whole wheat flour tends to make cookies denser. If you want to maintain the chewy texture, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

What can I do if my cookies are too dry?

Dry cookies can be the result of overbaking or too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and keep an eye on the baking time. Pull the cookies out when they look slightly underdone for the best texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to substitute all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend is a 1:1 ratio for the best results.

These Best Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something sweet at home. With their rich flavor and delightful texture, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and enjoy the best chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever make!