Indulge in the classic comfort of homemade chocolate chip cookies with this straightforward recipe. These cookies come out with crispy, golden edges and a soft, chewy center, loaded with semisweet chocolate chips or chunks. The dough can be baked immediately for instant gratification or chilled overnight to enhance the flavors and achieve less spreading during baking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: This cookie recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. It requires only basic ingredients and a simple process to yield delectable results. Whether you bake them right away or after chilling the dough, these cookies offer flexibility and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Perfect Occasion: Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat suitable for any occasion. Serve them at casual gatherings, as a delightful snack for family movie nights, pack them in lunchboxes, or gift them during the holidays. They're also perfect for bake sales or as a warm welcome to new neighbors.
Ingredients:
- 60g butter, softened
- 50g soft brown sugar
- 25g granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 60g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions:
- Prep and Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes pale and fluffy. This introduces air into the dough, helping to produce a lighter texture in the cookies.
- Incorporate Egg Yolk and Vanilla:
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla essence to the creamed butter and sugar. Continue to whisk until the mixture is well incorporated and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the all-purpose flour and baking soda together to ensure there are no lumps. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon, mixing just enough to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Baking Options:
- Immediate Baking: Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough onto the sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
- For Enhanced Flavor and Texture: If time allows, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. The next day, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking as directed above.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and enhances the texture.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best flavor and melting properties.
- For a different twist, try adding nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies, a simple yet satisfying treat that brings warmth and joy to any kitchen!
