Chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert that is loved by people of all ages. They are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips. This recipe for chocolate chip cookies with butter is the best way to make these delicious treats.
It is easy to follow and results in perfect cookies every time.
The key to making great chocolate chip cookies is to use high-quality ingredients. This means using real butter, not margarine, and using good quality chocolate chips. You can also add in other ingredients, such as nuts or dried fruit, to customize the cookies to your liking.
Recipe Overview
This delectable chocolate chip cookie recipe with butter offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It combines the richness of butter with the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips, creating a classic treat that is both nostalgic and irresistible.The
recipe calls for a simple yet effective blend of ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and of course, generous amounts of semisweet chocolate chips. The process of making these cookies is straightforward, involving creaming together the butter and sugars, adding the dry ingredients, and finally folding in the chocolate chips.
The resulting dough is then scooped into uniform portions and baked until golden brown, yielding a batch of chewy, soft, and utterly delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Key Ingredients
-
-*Flour
2 1/4 cups (281g)
-*Baking soda
1 teaspoon (4g)
-*Salt
1/2 teaspoon (2g)
-*Unsalted butter
1 cup (2 sticks; 226g), softened
-*Granulated sugar
3/4 cup (150g)
-*Brown sugar
3/4 cup (150g)
-*Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (5mL)
-*Semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups (340g)
Ingredients
To bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies with butter, you’ll need a combination of dry and wet ingredients that work together to create a soft, chewy, and flavorful treat.
The dry ingredients provide structure and texture, while the wet ingredients add moisture and richness. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (281 grams)
– The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness. - Baking soda: 1 teaspoon (5 grams)
– A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. - Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams)
– Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams), softened
– Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a chewy texture. - Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 grams)
– Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread. - Brown sugar: 3/4 cup (150 grams), packed
– Contributes moisture, chewiness, and a slightly caramel-like flavor. - Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) – Enhances the flavor and aroma of the cookies.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 2 cups (340 grams) – The star ingredient, adding sweetness and a chocolatey flavor.
li> Eggs: 2 large – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Step-by-Step s
Follow these simple steps to bake delicious chocolate chip cookies with butter:
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet
- Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let the cookies cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking and Cooling
Achieving perfectly golden-brown cookies requires precise baking and cooling techniques. Understanding the optimal temperature, time, and rotation ensures even cooking and a delightful crunch.
Baking at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes allows the cookies to set and brown without burning. Rotating the baking sheet halfway through ensures consistent heat distribution, preventing uneven baking.
Cooling
Cooling the cookies properly is crucial to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack immediately after baking to allow air to circulate and prevent steaming.
Variations and Customization
The classic chocolate chip cookie recipe is a versatile base that can be customized to suit various preferences. Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, add-ins, and techniques to create unique and flavorful variations.
Chocolate Chips
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The most common type, providing a balanced sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips: Offer a more intense and slightly bitter flavor, suitable for those who prefer a more sophisticated taste.
- Milk chocolate chips: Sweeter and creamier than semi-sweet, resulting in a more indulgent and nostalgic cookie.
- White chocolate chips: Add a creamy and vanilla-like sweetness, creating a unique and visually appealing cookie.
Additional Ingredients
Incorporate additional ingredients to enhance the texture, flavor, and visual appeal of your cookies:
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or cherries provide a sweet and chewy contrast to the chocolate chips.
- Oatmeal: Adds a hearty and chewy texture, creating a more substantial cookie.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger adds a warm and aromatic touch.
Troubleshooting
Encountering difficulties while baking chocolate chip cookies is common. Identifying and resolving these issues can elevate your baking experience and yield delectable cookies.
Below are some common problems and their potential solutions:
Cookies are too crispy
- Overbaking: Reduce baking time by a few minutes.
- Too much flour: Measure flour accurately using a kitchen scale or the spoon and level method.
Cookies are too soft
- Underbaking: Extend baking time by a few minutes.
- Too little flour: Add 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the dough.
- Too much butter: Reduce the amount of butter by 1-2 tablespoons.
Cookies are burnt
- Oven temperature too high: Lower the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C).
- Cookies placed too close to the heating element: Position the baking sheet in the middle of the oven.
- Overbaking: Refer to the recipe’s baking time guidelines.
Presentation and Serving
The presentation of chocolate chip cookies is crucial for creating an enticing and memorable experience. Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or serving tray, ensuring they have ample space between them to showcase their golden-brown exteriors and delectable chocolate chips.
Serve the chocolate chip cookies warm, fresh from the oven, for optimal flavor and texture. The warmth will enhance the gooey center and melt the chocolate chips, creating an irresistible indulgence. Accompany the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Shelf Life and Storage
Properly stored, chocolate chip cookies can maintain their freshness for several days. Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For extended storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Summary
Once you have made these chocolate chip cookies with butter, you will never want to go back to store-bought cookies again. They are so easy to make and so delicious, you will be hooked after just one bite.
Common Queries
What is the best way to store chocolate chip cookies?
Chocolate chip cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
No, you should not use margarine instead of butter in this recipe. Margarine will not produce the same flavor or texture as butter.
What type of chocolate chips should I use?
You can use any type of chocolate chips that you like. However, I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor.