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Best Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Journey
Ah, chocolate chip cookies! If you ask me, they’re a little piece of heaven, and they hold a special place in my heart (and my stomach!). I remember baking these scrumptious treats with my grandmother every Sunday. We would whisk and mix in her cozy kitchen, and the delicious scents would waft through the house, drawing family members like bees to honey. The moment those cookies came out of the oven, the joyous chaos of grabbing them while they were still warm was something I will never forget.
There’s just something uniquely comforting about a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. Whether it’s for a cozy evening at home, a picnic with friends, or just a pick-me-up while binge-watching your favorite series, these cookies are versatile enough to fit any occasion. And once you try this recipe, I assure you that you’ll want to bake them again and again!
What’s in the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies?
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened: The key to a rich cookie! I always prefer European-style butter for its creamy flavor.
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor and moisture. Feel free to use light or dark brown sugar—dark gives a more robust flavor.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Just enough to balance out the brown sugar’s richness.
- 1 large egg: Bind it all together! I always go for organic eggs whenever I can.
- 1 large egg yolk: This little gem makes the cookies extra chewy—trust me!
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Homemade vanilla extract adds a lovely fragrance, but any pure extract will do.
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour: The backbone of every cookie! You could try gluten-free flour for an alternative.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise beautifully!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show! You can’t go wrong with Ghirardelli or Nestlé.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top right before baking takes these cookies to a whole new level!
Is Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—while these cookies are utterly delicious, they do have their indulgent side. The combination of butter, sugar, and chocolate chips means they pack a caloric punch, but they do have some redeeming qualities. For example, dark chocolate has antioxidants and can even improve heart health when consumed in moderation.
That said, if you’re looking for a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. You could even sweeten with a natural alternative like maple syrup—just remember to adjust your liquid ingredients! A balance is key, so these delightful cookies might be an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix by hand until creamy and smooth. (Seriously, you want it velvety!)
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps the baking soda distribute evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—trust me!
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. I recommend sneaking a few directly into your mouth!
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Optional: Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for added flavor. It’s worth it!
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. They may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cookie Tips and Tricks!
- For the ultimate cookie experience, enjoy them warm, straight from the oven. Can you say “heaven”?!
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long!
- If you crave a chewier texture, try using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, substitute half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips. Oh boy, your taste buds will thank you!
I hope you give this recipe a whirl! I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so please share your baking adventures with me. Seeing those warm, gooey cookies will bring back so many fond memories of my kitchen escapades. Happy baking!
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