Perfectly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies

Treat yourself to a batch of perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies. This simple yet delicious recipe will have you enjoying soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a bake sale or simply craving something sweet and warm from the oven, these cookies are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's taste buds!

This classic treat is not only easy to make but also requires just a few basic ingredients. The result? Freshly baked cookies that will leave your home smelling like an invitation to indulgence.

Ingredients

2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar packed
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet - your choice)

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter along with both sugars until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until incorporated; overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Fold in chocolate chips into dough using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll heaping tablespoons of cookie dough into balls and place them on baking sheets, spaced evenly apart as they will spread out during baking.
Bake for approximately 8-12 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden brown but not fully cooked in the center. The centers should still be soft when you take them out from the oven.
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Cooking Time and Servings

The total cooking time is approximately 15-20 minutes, including preparation and cooling. Each batch yields approximately 36 cookies; making it perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack throughout the day.

Tips & Variations

For chewier cookies, reduce baking time slightly to about 7-9 minutes so that they don't cook fully through in the center.
To make crispy cookies instead of soft ones, bake them for closer to 12 minutes.
You can mix and match different types of chocolate chips – try adding white chips with dark or milk for an interesting contrast of flavors.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer a spicier cookie flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Newly baked cookies are best eaten fresh, but any leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can also be frozen separately on baking sheets before transferring them into freezer-safe containers or bags. To reheat, pop the cookies directly from their container into a preheated oven set to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Enjoy these decadent chocolate chip cookies anytime you're in need of a sweet treat! They are not only delightful but also make excellent gifts. Share them with friends and family; they'll love you for it!