Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets these chocolate chip cookies apart is their perfect combination of softness and chewiness. With just the right amount of sweetness, a subtle hint of vanilla, and melty pockets of chocolate chips, these cookies are a simple yet indulgent delight. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you can whip them up at a moment’s notice. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft.

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes (including preparation and baking time)

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture to balance the soft cookies.

• Dark Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

• Mini Cookies: Make mini cookies by using a teaspoon to scoop the dough, and reduce the baking time to about 7-9 minutes.

• S’mores-Inspired: Add ½ cup of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of crushed graham crackers to create a s’mores-inspired cookie.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze cookie dough balls and bake them from frozen for a freshly baked treat anytime.

• Reheating: To reheat cookies, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can result from using too much butter or not chilling the dough. Make sure to follow the measurements carefully and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, butter gives these cookies the best flavor and texture. If you must use margarine, be sure to choose a good-quality one.

3. How do I make the cookies chewier?

For a chewier texture, try using more brown sugar than granulated sugar, as brown sugar contains molasses which helps retain moisture.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Allow it to soften slightly before baking.

5. Can I substitute the chocolate chips for something else?

Absolutely! You can swap the chocolate chips with chunks of your favorite chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a twist.

6. How long do I need to bake the cookies?

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should have golden edges but soft centers when done.

7. Should I flatten the cookie dough before baking?

No need to flatten the dough. The cookies will spread naturally while baking. Just drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet.

8. Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but be aware that this might slightly change the texture of the cookies.

9. Can I add other mix-ins to the cookies?

Definitely! You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or mix in some crushed candies for a fun variation.

10. What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?

If you want perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop to form the dough balls. You can also gently reshape them after placing them on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

This soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and endless possibilities for customization, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the irresistible combination of melty chocolate chips and tender cookie texture with every bite!

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