Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth cookie dough forms.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may appear slightly undercooked, but they will continue to set as the cookies cool.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk!
Notes:
- Yield: This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie dough balls.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage.
- Variations: Feel free to customize these cookies by adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or other mix-ins of your choice.
20 Popular Questions and Answers related to OMG Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!
- Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
- Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies, but you can use granulated sugar as a substitute if needed.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Butter provides the best flavor and texture in these cookies, but you can use margarine as a substitute if necessary. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- How can I make these cookies chewier?
- To make chewier cookies, you can try increasing the brown sugar slightly and slightly decreasing the amount of flour.
- Can I add nuts to these cookies?
- Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. Simply fold them into the cookie dough along with the chocolate chips.
- Why are my cookies spreading too much?
- If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because the dough was too warm when you put it in the oven. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour to make gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.
- Why did my cookies turn out dry?
- Dry cookies can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and avoid overmixing the dough.
- Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
- Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.
- Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla extract?
- Yes, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute for vanilla extract. However, vanilla extract provides a more intense flavor.
- Can I add cocoa powder to make double chocolate chip cookies?
- Yes, you can add cocoa powder to the dough to make double chocolate chip cookies. Start by adding 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and adjust to taste.
- Can I use a cookie press to shape these cookies?
- These cookies are best dropped by spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, but you can experiment with using a cookie press if you prefer a different shape.
- Can I use parchment paper instead of greasing the baking sheet?
- Yes, you can use parchment paper to line the baking sheet instead of greasing it. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Why are my cookies flat?
- Flat cookies can result from using melted butter instead of softened butter or from overmixing the dough. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar just until light and fluffy.
- Can I make these cookies without eggs?
- Yes, you can make eggless chocolate chip cookies by using an egg substitute like mashed banana, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer.
- How can I make these cookies crispy?
- To make crispy cookies, you can try reducing the amount of butter or increasing the baking time slightly until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
- Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
- Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to find your favorite combination.
- Can I add shredded coconut to these cookies?
- Yes, you can add shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. Fold it into the dough along with the chocolate chips.
- Can I halve the recipe?
- Yes, you can halve the recipe if you want to make a smaller batch of cookies. Simply divide all the ingredients in half.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a richer flavor.
Absolutely! Achieving the perfect chocolate chip cookies requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some secrets to help you achieve cookie perfection:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients like real butter, pure vanilla extract, and good quality chocolate chips. These ingredients will contribute to the overall flavor and texture of your cookies.
- Properly Cream Butter and Sugar: Creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies. This incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a lighter and more tender cookie.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the cookies dense.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) before baking allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also helps develop a richer flavor and chewier texture.
- Use the Right Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a classic chocolate chip cookie texture. Avoid using bread flour or cake flour, as they can result in cookies that are too chewy or too cake-like.
- Add a Mix of Chocolate Chips: Use a combination of chocolate chips and chocolate chunks for a variety of textures and flavors in each bite.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake the cookies just until the edges are set and lightly golden brown. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough evenly. This ensures that all the cookies are the same size and will bake uniformly.
- Add Salt: A touch of salt enhances the flavor of the cookies and balances out the sweetness. Consider using sea salt flakes to sprinkle on top of the cookies before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the dough. Cold eggs can cause the dough to become stiff and difficult to mix evenly.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly without affecting the texture too much.
- Cool Baking Sheets: Allow the baking sheets to cool completely between batches to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for extra flavor and texture.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: If you’re baking multiple trays of cookies at once, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies every time!