If there’s one thing that always puts a smile on our faces, it’s biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. While baking cookies seems simple enough, it’s easy to get a batch of cookies that are too hard, too flat, or have an uneven texture. But fear not! With the right ingredients and techniques, you can bake the perfect chocolate chip cookie every time.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before you get started, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you will need. Here are the basics:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Steps to Follow
Now, onto the baking process. Here are the steps to follow for perfect chocolate chip cookies:
Step 1: Take Out the Butter and Eggs
Remove the sticks of butter and eggs from the fridge and let them sit out on the counter for at least 20 to 30 minutes. You want the butter to be at room temperature so it can mix better with the rest of the ingredients. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften the butter in the microwave for a few seconds, but make sure it doesn’t melt.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the sheet and help them bake evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Beat the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Add in the Sugar and Vanilla Extract
Add both the white and brown sugar to the butter and beat until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Beat in the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 7: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or you may end up with tough cookies.
Step 8: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 9: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step is important because it will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 10: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Step 11: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center should still be slightly soft when you touch it.
Step 12: Let Them Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe so you can control the amount of salt in your cookies.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips, but keep in mind that they tend to be sweeter than semisweet chocolate chips.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: Yes, chilling the dough will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or container.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies?
A: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create cookies that are buttery, soft, and filled with chocolate chips. So go ahead, grab your apron, and start baking!
