These classic chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate bits. They are the perfect treat for any cookie lover!
Whenever I bake these, the kitchen smells so good that I can hardly wait to eat them! They’re great warm from the oven or with a glass of milk—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for a soft texture. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe. I love using European-style butter for a richer flavor!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: The mix of sugars gives perfect sweetness and moisture. If you need a healthier option, coconut sugar works well. I often use a bit less sugar for a less sweet cookie.
Eggs: They provide structure and moisture. If you’re vegan, you can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. For gluten-free cookies, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I sometimes swap in a bit of whole wheat flour for added nutrition!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are classic, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. I love adding a mix of chocolate chip types for extra richness!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting that perfect cookie texture is all about technique! Here are some tips:
- Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour as this can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and leads to a thicker cookie.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the cookies. Remove them when the edges are golden, as they’ll continue to firm up on the baking sheet.
With these tips and insights, you’re set to make some delicious chocolate chip cookies! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Bills Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake. You’ll need a few additional minutes for cooling, so overall, you’re looking at approximately 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to preheat to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
2. Cream Together the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it creates air in the dough, making your cookies soft!
3. Add the Eggs:
Next, add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition to incorporate and combine everything smoothly. This helps bind all the ingredients together.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which prevents any clumps in the cookies.
5. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamed mixture, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until the flour is just incorporated and you see no more dry spots.
6. Stir in the Chocolate Chips:
Now, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough. Use a spatula to fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is the best part—you can sneak a chocolate chip or two while you work!
7. Portion the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still look soft; they will continue to bake a little after you take them out.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they are done baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. After that, gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy them while they’re still warm or at room temperature!
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for several days. Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe. Just ensure it’s softened to achieve the right consistency and texture in your cookies.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of sugar). Alternatively, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar, but the cookies may be less chewy.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container. They can be baked straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done Baking?
Look for the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft. They’ll finish baking on the baking sheet once you remove them from the oven, which helps to achieve a soft and chewy texture!
