Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 2 cups high-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Setting this mixture aside ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars until fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration step is crucial for the soft texture that defines the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor depth to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution to guarantee that luscious melted chocolate in every bite.
- Chill the Dough: For the best texture, cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step firms the butter, controls spread, and enhances flavor melding.
- Bake to Perfection: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet to set.
Notes
- Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing and even texture.
- Avoid overmixing dough to prevent tough cookies due to gluten development.
- Chilling the dough is key for controlling cookie spread and enhancing flavors.
- Bake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution and uniform browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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