Nothing beats the warm, gooey goodness of Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh out of the oven. With buttery dough, sweet and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and optional walnuts for crunch, this classic recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These cookies are simple to prepare, and their golden-brown perfection will make them a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
- 1 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
- 3 sticks butter (1 1/2 cups): Use real, unsalted butter for rich flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- Walnut pieces (optional): Adds crunch and nuttiness—quantity is up to you.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
- 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, providing rich, melty chocolate in every bite.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 sticks of butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the 3 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
5. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Fold in the 4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnut pieces (if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop and Bake
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better dough consistency.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Watch the Oven: Cookies continue to cook after being removed from the oven, so take them out when the edges are golden, even if the centers appear soft.
Variations
- Add a Touch of Spice: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder for a unique flavor twist.
- Double Chocolate: Swap 1/2 cup of flour for cocoa powder to make double chocolate chip cookies.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts if you prefer nut-free cookies.
- Different Chips: Use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a mix for variety.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/2 teaspoon to avoid over-salting.
2. How do I make the cookies chewier?
Use more brown sugar (increase to 1 1/4 cups) and slightly less granulated sugar (reduce to 3/4 cup).
3. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Absolutely! Adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller cookies may take 6-8 minutes, while larger ones may need 10-12 minutes.
4. How do I prevent flat cookies?
Chill the dough before baking and ensure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
Nutrition (Approx. Per Cookie)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
These Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven, dunked in milk, or as a snack on the go, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of soft, chewy centers and crisp edges. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this timeless recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!
