Perfectly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite treat for many, whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored in an airtight container. These delightful cookies provide you with a gooey texture and sweet chocolate chunks that melt perfectly during baking.

This recipe is designed to give you a batch of 24 richly flavored chocolate chip cookies, each containing approximately 80 calories per serving, assuming one cookie per person. The total cooking time for this batch will be around 15 minutes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps required to make these delicious treats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter - softened at room temperature
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cups packed brown sugar – firmly packed in its original container
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - sifted or measured after sifting
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both types of sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

4. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; then gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture until just blended.

5. Mix in the semisweet chocolate chips thoroughly until evenly distributed.

6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, drop dough onto ungreased baking sheets with about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing ensures that they do not spread too much while baking and remain their original shape.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes until lightly golden on top; keep an eye on them as every oven can vary slightly.

8. Once done, remove from the oven onto a wire rack to cool completely before eating or storing.

Tips and Variations

• To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during mixing. This small addition can make your cookies uniquely yours!
• For chewier cookies, omit the baking soda from the dough; this allows for more spreading while baking.
• Freeze cookie dough in single-portion balls on a baking sheet and transfer to freezer bags once set. These individually portioned cookies are convenient for quick snacking anytime you crave them!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The following nutritional information is based on one serving of the aforementioned recipe:

• Total Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 146g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 97g

Conclusion

These chocolate chip cookies are not just a treat; they're an essential part of any baking session. With their simple yet effective ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies cater to both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself at home, the aroma of fresh-baked cookies is sure to bring joy to all who smell it.

Remember, cooking can be a delightful experience when done with precision and passion. Happy baking!