These chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with delicious chocolate chunks! They’re perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
I love making these cookies because the smell fills the kitchen and makes everyone happy. Plus, there’s nothing like warm cookies right out of the oven—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives the cookies richness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be a great substitute, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar contribute to the cookie’s sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar—just keep an eye on the dough’s moisture level as it can be drier.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you could swap half of it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and extra fiber!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. You might also try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Chewy?
To achieve that perfect chewy texture, a couple of tips can make a big difference. First, make sure not to overmix the dough when adding the dry ingredients. This keeps gluten formation at bay, giving you softer cookies.
- Cool your dough slightly before dropping it onto the cookie sheet; chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes if possible.
- Bake just until the edges are golden brown. The centers will continue cooking from residual heat after they’re out of the oven.
- Always let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them. This helps them maintain that chewy center.
Bills Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus another 8 to 10 minutes for baking. Allow some time for the cookies to cool before enjoying them. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk!) to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the vanilla extract and the two large eggs to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This steps helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, which is important for the cookie texture.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
6. Fold in Chocolate:
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Fold in your chocolate chips (or chunks) so they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball, as they will spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look a bit soft—this ensures your cookies are chewy!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Finally, serve your delicious cookies warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Enjoy every bite of this classic chocolate-chip goodness!
If you want to make these cookies extra special, try adding some nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Have fun baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use a high-quality margarine that contains at least 80% fat for the best texture.
How Can I Make These Cookies Chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, try chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape better in the oven. Also, be careful not to overbake; taking them out when they still look slightly undercooked will help maintain that chewy center!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze the dough balls individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze individually wrapped cookies for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying!