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Indulge in the classic and timeless treat of homemade chocolate chip cookies. With their golden edges, chewy centers, and pockets of melty chocolate, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser in every season. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect chocolate chip cookies, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking technique. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked cookies and enjoy the satisfaction of biting into a warm and gooey chocolatey delight.
The Chocolate Chip Cookie, an iconic and beloved treat, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century in the United States. Here’s a glimpse into the story and origins of this classic cookie:
- Invention: The invention of the chocolate chip cookie is attributed to Ruth Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. In the 1930s, Ruth was experimenting with her popular butterscotch cookie recipe and decided to substitute broken pieces of semi-sweet chocolate from Nestlé for the traditional baker’s chocolate. She expected the chocolate to melt and disperse throughout the dough, creating chocolate cookies. However, the chocolate retained its shape, giving birth to the first chocolate chip cookies.
- Nestlé Collaboration: Ruth Wakefield’s new creation gained fame, and in 1939, she struck a deal with Nestlé. They began producing Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips, and the recipe for the cookies was printed on the package. This partnership catapulted the chocolate chip cookie to nationwide popularity.
- Iconic Status: Over the decades, the chocolate chip cookie has become a symbol of comfort, home, and childhood nostalgia. It’s a versatile treat, available in countless variations, from soft and chewy to crispy and thin, with additional ingredients like nuts and different types of chocolate chips.
Today, the chocolate chip cookie is cherished worldwide, and it remains a staple in households, bakeries, and dessert menus across the globe.
Chocolate Chip Cookie
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is tried and tested, guaranteeing delicious results. It yields cookies with a delightful balance of sweetness, a soft and chewy texture, and a generous amount of chocolate in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey, this recipe will equip you with the skills to create irresistible chocolate chip cookies that will impress your family, friends, and even yourself!
Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls: Buy On Amazon
- Whisk or electric mixer: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Baking sheets: Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Cooling rack: Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the butter and sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
You can use an electric mixer or whisk the ingredients together by hand.
Add the eggs and vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can result in tougher cookies.
Fold in the chocolate chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the dough (optional):
For thicker cookies, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough enhances the flavors and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Shape and place the dough on baking sheets:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into rounded mounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Leave enough space between the cookies to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake the cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
The centers may appear slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Cool and enjoy:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Once completely cooled, enjoy the cookies with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container for future indulgence.
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 263.38kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.38g20%
- Saturated Fat 7.38g37%
- Cholesterol 35.09mg12%
- Sodium 93.06mg4%
- Potassium 90.12mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 37.89g13%
- Dietary Fiber 1.29g6%
- Sugars 24.52g
- Protein 2.84g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For a variation, try adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or shredded coconut to the dough.
- For an extra indulgent treat, use a combination of milk, semi-sweet, and dark chocolate chips.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts, such as almond or mint, to add a unique twist to your chocolate chip cookies.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy the cookies as a standalone treat or serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Package the cookies in a decorative box or jar to give as gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
- Serve the cookies at parties, potlucks, or bake sales to delight your guests.
Allergen Information:
Dairy: Traditional chocolate chip cookies contain dairy in the form of butter and chocolate chips. However, dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips are readily available and can be used to make dairy-free chocolate chip cookies.
Eggs: Eggs are a common ingredient in chocolate chip cookie recipes. If you have an egg allergy or follow a vegan diet, you can use egg substitutes like flaxseed or chia seed "eggs" to achieve the same binding and moisture-retaining effects.
Nuts: Some chocolate chip cookie recipes include nuts, typically walnuts or pecans. Be cautious if you or anyone consuming the cookies has nut allergies, and consider omitting the nuts or using nut-free alternatives.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
Chocolate chip cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, enhancing the indulgent experience:
Milk: The classic pairing for chocolate chip cookies is a glass of cold milk. The creamy, slightly sweet milk complements the rich, chocolatey flavors of the cookies.
Coffee: A cup of coffee, whether black or with cream and sugar, complements the cookies' sweetness and provides a pleasant contrast.
Tea: Opt for a cup of black tea or herbal tea with chocolate chip cookies. The tea's warmth and subtle flavors can balance the cookie's sweetness.
Storage and Leftovers:
To ensure your chocolate chip cookies remain fresh and delicious:
Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale and absorbing any odors in your pantry.
Room Temperature: Chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If stored correctly, they should remain fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze chocolate chip cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for several months.