Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate chip cookies are a staple in many households. They bring back memories of childhood, family gatherings, and even late-night snacks. Making cookies from scratch is not only rewarding but also fun! This easiest chocolate chip cookie recipe showcases simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. The smell of fresh cookies baking can fill your home with warmth and happiness. The joy of biting into a warm, gooey cookie is something that everyone should experience.

Many recipes can be complicated and time-consuming, but that’s not the case here. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. If you have kids, this is an excellent activity to do together. It’s an opportunity to get them involved in the kitchen and teach them a few cooking skills. Baking cookies can also be a stress-reliever. It allows you to focus on creating something delicious, which can be incredibly satisfying.

Whether you want to treat yourself, share with friends, or impress guests, this recipe for chocolate chip cookies is sure to please everyone. The cookies turn out perfectly chewy with the right amount of crispness on the edges. They’re packed with chocolate chips, making them a sweet treat for any occasion.

How to Make Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now, let’s get into the steps you need to follow to create these delightful cookies. You will be surprised at how easy it is to whip up a batch of cookies at home.

Ingredients

To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and helps them rise correctly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a spatula; both work well.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the two large eggs to the mixture, one at a time. It’s essential to beat them in separately to ensure they are fully incorporated. After the eggs, add the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix everything until it’s well combined. The vanilla adds a delightful flavor that enhances the cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, you need to prepare the dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these ingredients separately helps to distribute the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the flour.

Step 5: Blend Dry with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Stir gently until all the flour is fully blended in. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Finish by folding in the 2 cups of chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. The more chocolate, the better!

Step 7: Drop onto Baking Sheets

Prepare your ungreased baking sheets. Using rounded teaspoons, drop portions of dough onto the baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes to avoid burning. They should be nicely golden around the edges.

Step 9: Cool Down

Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial, as it allows them to firm up.

How to Serve Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving these chocolate chip cookies can be as simple as placing them on a plate. They are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to birthday parties. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Serve them warm with a glass of milk for the classic combination.
• Add a scoop of ice cream on top of a cookie for a delicious dessert.
• Stack a few cookies and tie them with a ribbon for a nice gift.
• Serve them with coffee or tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.

How to Store Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies

Storing your homemade chocolate chip cookies correctly can keep them fresh for days. Here’s how to do it:

• Room Temperature: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about one week.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the fridge. They will last for up to two weeks but may get a bit firmer.
• Freezing: If you want to make a big batch, consider freezing the cookies. Pack them in a freezer-safe container or bag, with layers of parchment paper between them, for up to three months. To eat, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Tips to Make Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps to get the right texture for your cookies.
• Measuring Flour: Use the spoon and level method to measure flour. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off with a knife. This ensures you don’t pack too much flour into your measurement.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs that are at room temperature as they mix better with the batter.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This creates cookies that don’t spread as much.

Variations

While the classic chocolate chip cookie is delightful, here are a few variations to try:

• Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder for chocolate cookies. Then fold in chocolate chips!
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Substitute one cup of flour with quick oats for a chewy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges will be golden brown while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

3. Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add dried fruit, coconut, or other types of chocolate for a different flavor.

By following this easy recipe and tips, you’ll create a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and the sweet smell that fills your home!

Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies

These easy chocolate chip cookies are perfectly chewy with a delightful crispiness on the edges, making them a sweet treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds flavor to the cookies.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour Use the spoon and level method to measure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Optional: reduce if using salted butter.
• 2 cups chocolate chips The more chocolate, the better!

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until fully combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Using rounded teaspoons, drop portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for two weeks.