Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the ultimate comfort with these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Soft in the center and crispy on the edges, this classic recipe will become a family favorite and is easy to make for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings.
These cookies are a staple in many households and can be modified with various mix-ins to suit your taste!
The Secret to Chewy Cookies
Achieving the perfect chewy texture in cookies is an art that balances the right ingredients and techniques. The key is to use a blend of both granulated and brown sugar. While granulated sugar contributes to the dough’s structure, brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor, creating that desirable chewy consistency. Remember, the quality of your butter matters too; using unsalted butter at room temperature ensures it blends smoothly for a creamy batter.
Another important factor is the baking time. Overbaking even slightly can lead to crispy cookies instead of chewy ones. Keep an eye on them while they bake and remove the cookies from the oven just as they begin to turn golden brown. This ensures their softness and chewiness hold up even after they cool.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile and ideal for various events. Whether it’s a casual family gathering, a festive holiday celebration, or simply a cozy movie night at home, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Their universal appeal makes them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring your guests leave with a smile and a satisfied sweet tooth.
You can also customize these cookies to suit the occasion. Consider adding nuts for extra crunch or experimenting with different types of chocolate chips. By adjusting the recipe slightly, you can turn an everyday cookie into a special treat that reflects the mood of your gathering.
Storage Tips for Fresh Cookies
To keep your Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious longer, proper storage is essential. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their moisture content and chewiness. If you prefer them a bit firmer, just leave them uncovered for a couple of hours before sealing to allow some moisture to escape.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing the dough balls before baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you're craving fresh cookies, simply take them out and bake them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Ingredients
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning the recipe.
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the salt, vanilla, and eggs; beat until well combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a minute or two before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
The History of Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies have a fascinating history dating back to the 1930s. Ruth Wakefield, a dietitian, created the first batch at her Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Originally, she intended to make chocolate cookies but found that the chocolate didn’t melt completely, resulting in delightful chunks of chocolate within the cookie dough. This accidental creation quickly gained popularity, leading to the famous 'Toll House Cookie' recipe we're all familiar with today.
Since then, chocolate chip cookies have evolved, with countless variations and interpretations surfacing over the decades. From classic recipes to gourmet versions featuring various toppings or ingredients, the chocolate chip cookie remains a beloved staple in American baking, symbolizing comfort and nostalgia for many.
Baking Tips for Beginners
If you're new to baking, this recipe is a perfect starting point. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and tools beforehand to ensure a smooth baking process. An electric mixer isn’t mandatory; you can blend the dough by hand if you prefer. Just be sure to mix thoroughly to incorporate air, which will help create fluffy cookies.
Another tip is to read through the entire recipe before starting. Understanding each step can help you avoid surprises and ensure you have everything necessary at your fingertips. Enjoy the process! Baking should be fun, so don't hesitate to experiment with flavors or add-ins to make the recipe your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies warm with a glass of milk for the ultimate classic experience. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie creates a delicious dessert that adults and kids alike will adore. For an elegant touch, consider dusting the cookies with sea salt before serving, enhancing the chocolate flavor and adding a sophisticated twist.
If you're hosting a gathering, curate a cookie platter with different varieties, including oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, and of course, your chewy chocolate chip cookies. This will not only cater to various tastes but also add a colorful and inviting touch to your dessert table!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, you can use margarine or a vegan butter alternative.
→ How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Experience the ultimate comfort with these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Soft in the center and crispy on the edges, this classic recipe will become a family favorite and is easy to make for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings.
Created by: Talia Preston
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add the salt, vanilla, and eggs; beat until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a minute or two before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g