Chocolate Chip

Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for the Busy Woman

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Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, the kind that melts in your mouth and fills you with pure comfort. What if I told you that you could make these cookies with minimal effort and a guarantee of perfection every time? This recipe is designed for the busy woman who loves homemade treats but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

In this guide, you’ll discover how easy it is to make irresistible chocolate chip cookies that will make everyone reach for seconds (or thirds). Not only are these cookies incredibly delicious, but they’re also simple enough for even a novice baker to master. Let’s dive in and make your home smell like a bakery with these delectable, soft-centered chocolate chip cookies!

Tools Needed

  1. Mixing bowl – Large enough to combine all ingredients comfortably.
  2. Stand mixer or electric hand mixer – To cream the butter and sugars smoothly.
  3. Silicone baking mat or parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
  4. Cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) – For uniform cookie sizes.
  5. Baking sheet – Large enough to bake multiple cookies at once.
  6. Wire cooling rack – Essential for cooling cookies evenly.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons 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 (Ghirardelli recommended for a rich flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and set aside.
  2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until creamy and well-blended.
  3. Add the vanilla and eggs: Pour in the vanilla extract and add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until a sticky dough forms.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips: Add the chocolate chips to the dough, folding them in gently until they’re evenly distributed.
  6. Scoop and arrange: Use a cookie scoop to scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers look just slightly underbaked.
  8. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for a perfect snack anytime!

Tips & Variations

  • Experiment with mix-ins: Try adding nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or even white chocolate chips to add extra layers of flavor.
  • Chill the dough: For a thicker, chewy texture, refrigerate the dough for 1 hour before baking.
  • Salt sprinkle: Add a light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Calories: Approximately 66 kcal
  • Fat: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 1 g

FAQ

1. How can I make the cookies chewier?

  • For chewier cookies, reduce the baking time slightly, as cookies continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven. Chilling the dough also helps retain a soft, chewy texture.

2. Can I use unsalted butter instead?

  • Yes! If using unsalted butter, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the recipe for balance.

3. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

  • Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh anytime.

4. Can I use dark chocolate chips?

  • Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips offer a more intense flavor, which works beautifully in this recipe. You can also mix dark and milk chocolate for variety.

5. Do I need to use Ghirardelli chocolate chips?

  • While Ghirardelli chips are recommended for their premium flavor and texture, any high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chip will work wonderfully.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple, foolproof recipe for classic chocolate chip cookies that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies are rich, comforting, and so easy to make that you might just find yourself baking them every week. If you loved this recipe, share it with friends or drop a comment with your feedback. Happy baking!