Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and moist dough that results in chewy cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the chocolate chips.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the dough, balancing the sweetness and making the cookies even more aromatic.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for these cookies, providing a rich, not overly sweet, chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cookies spread and rise, contributing to the desired texture.
Instructions
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Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer or 5-6 minutes by hand.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Add the Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, serve them with a glass of milk or enjoy them as an afternoon snack. These cookies also make great gifts when packaged in cute bags or boxes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g