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Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie: No Fuss, All Flavor

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calling all cookie lovers! This recipe is about to become your holy grail for the perfect chocolate chip cookie. These cookies are soft and chewy in the center, with crisp, golden edges – everything you could ask for in a classic treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

  • Effortless Excellence: No need for fancy equipment or chilling time! This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for satisfying unexpected cravings or baking with the kids.
  • Secret Weapon: The addition of browned butter adds a depth of flavor that takes these cookies to the next level. It's a simple step that yields incredible results.
  • Customizable Classics: This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to swap the nuts for chopped pretzels, dried fruit, or even peanut butter chips!

Ingredients:

  • Creamy Base:
    • 1 cup softened butter
  • Sweetness Symphony:
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (depending on your preference)
  • Binding Power:
    • 2 large eggs
  • Flavor Boost:
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoons hot water
  • Chocolatey Chunks:
    • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • Nutty Delight (Optional):
    • 1 cup chopped walnuts (or other desired mix-ins)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat for Perfection: Get your oven started by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and achieve that irresistible golden brown color.
  2. Creamy Magic: Using a hand mixer or electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
  3. Egg Incorporation: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  4. Flavor Explosion: Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor.
  5. The Secret Weapon: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. This activates the baking soda and helps create those signature chewy centers. Add this mixture to the batter along with the salt.
  6. Dry Ingredients Unite: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
  7. Chocolatey Goodness: Fold in the chocolate chips and your favorite chopped nuts (if using) with a rubber spatula.
  8. Bake and Enjoy!: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Resist the urge to overbake!
  9. Fresh from the Oven: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab a glass of milk and savor these delicious homemade cookies!

Tips:

  • For chewier cookies, bake for a minute or two less. For crispier cookies, bake for an additional minute or two.
  • Let the browned butter cool slightly before adding it to the batter. Hot butter can cause the cookies to spread too much.
  • This recipe is easily doubled to satisfy a crowd.

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