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- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and are ready to enjoy in no time.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step, or simply use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease. This process should take about 2 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined at this point.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy!
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon. Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow them room to spread as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them—baking times can vary depending on your oven. The centers might still look soft, but don’t worry! They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives them time to set without falling apart.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting. Cold butter can make it harder to cream with the sugars, while melted butter can result in flat cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a chewier texture.
- Mix-ins: Want to get creative? You can easily add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even mix in a handful of mini marshmallows for a fun twist!
- Don’t Overbake: For that perfect chewy texture, be sure to take the cookies out when the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. They will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet even after you remove them from the oven.
Why These Cookies Are So Easy:
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just basic pantry ingredients and minimal effort. There’s no need for chilling the dough (though you can if you prefer), and the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Whether you’re baking with kids, making a batch for a party, or just satisfying a craving, these cookies come together quickly and are always a hit.
Conclusion:
These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and chocolatey goodness. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can make them and enjoy a delicious homemade treat in no time. Whether you’re baking solo, with friends, or with little helpers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a batch of the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted!