There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. This recipe delivers perfectly soft and chewy cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and crunch, thanks to the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional walnut pieces. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs (for structure and moisture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor)
- 3 sticks real butter (1 1/2 cups) (provides richness and flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (for structure)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (adds a sweet, aromatic flavor)
- Walnut pieces (optional) (for extra crunch)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (helps the cookies rise)
- 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for that classic chocolatey goodness)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake as soon as the dough is prepared.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 sticks of butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is essential to create a smooth, fluffy texture in the final cookie.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugars are well-combined, add the 3 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture, while the vanilla gives the cookies a rich, sweet aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the dough, helping the cookies rise properly during baking.
Step 5: Gradually Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the dough. Continue until all the dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough forms a smooth consistency.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Once the dough is ready, fold in the 4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the walnut pieces. Stir gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a small cookie scoop (or tablespoon), scoop portions of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for a chewy center.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate chocolatey indulgence, or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine more smoothly and results in a better texture.
- Customize with Add-Ins: While walnuts are a classic addition, feel free to get creative with other mix-ins like pecans, shredded coconut, or even white chocolate chips.
- Chilling the Dough: For even thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Baking Evenly: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure the cookies bake evenly.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: Approximately 210
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 18g
Storing and Freezing Cookies:
- Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the dough in pre-portioned scoops. To bake from frozen, simply add an additional 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
These Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to special family gatherings. The combination of sweet chocolate, buttery dough, and optional walnuts makes these cookies irresistible. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some dough for later, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Enjoy!