Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: The Complete Guide

Everyone loves a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies, but who has time for complex recipes? If you’re looking to bake delicious, soft, and chewy cookies in just 20 minutes, this easy chocolate chip cookies recipe is perfect for you. Not only is it quick, but it’s also hassle-free—no mixer or chilling time required. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this simple recipe delivers delightful cookies with minimal effort.

Why This Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Works

There are several reasons why this recipe stands out:

  • Quick and Simple: It uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together in just one bowl, cutting down on prep time and clean-up.
  • No Special Equipment Needed: There’s no need for a mixer or other special tools. Even better, there’s no need to chill the dough before baking.
  • Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out certain ingredients based on what you have at home. For instance, you might use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chips.
  • Perfect Texture Every Time: Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures they stay soft and chewy in the center, while the edges remain crisp.

If you’re curious and want to learn more about how brown sugar contributes to chewier cookies, check out this helpful guide. Additionally, if you’re wondering about the role of kosher salt in baking, this informative article will explain why it’s the best choice for these cookies.

Ingredients for This Quick Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Ingredient Notes for Simple Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe:

  • Butter: Melting butter adds a rich flavor and reduces prep time. However, make sure it’s melted, but not too hot.
  • Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies, giving them a rich flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate, or even chocolate chunks for a change in texture.

Additionally, if you’re curious about trying other chocolate chip cookie recipes, you might want to take a look at this Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe for another delicious variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s dive into the baking process. This simple recipe breaks down into just a few quick steps:

1: Melt the Butter

Begin by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Ensure it’s melted but not piping hot.

2: Mix the Sugars and Butter

Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter. Then, stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in the vanilla extract and egg, making sure the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Be careful, as overmixing is crucial to avoid tough cookies.

5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. Importantly, leave about 2 inches between each scoop to allow the cookies to spread as they bake.

7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, bake the cookies for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly underbaked.

8: Cool and Enjoy

Finally, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up without overcooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with an easy recipe like this, there are common pitfalls that could affect your results. To ensure success, here’s how to avoid them:

  • Overmixing the Dough: Stirring too much can make the cookies tough. Instead, mix just until the ingredients come together for the best results.
  • Using Hot Butter: Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing it with the sugars. Otherwise, you risk making your dough too greasy.
  • Overbaking the Cookies: Bake just until the edges are set. Remember, the center should remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Recipe Variations

Looking to customize your easy chocolate chip cookies recipe? Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

  • Chewier Cookies: If you prefer a chewier texture, use only brown sugar in your recipe.
  • Crispier Cookies: To achieve crispier cookies, increase the amount of granulated sugar and reduce the brown sugar.
  • Mix-Ins: Want to add more flavor? Try adding nuts, M&M’s, or peanut butter chips to the dough.
  • Gluten-Free Option: You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough come together more smoothly and bake evenly.
  • Slightly Underbake the Cookies: The key to achieving that soft, chewy center is slightly underbaking them. They will continue to cook on the sheet as they cool.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Using too much flour will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Therefore, scoop flour into your measuring cup with a spoon, then level it off with a knife.

How to Store Your Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your cookies fresh. Here’s how to store them:

  • At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They should stay soft and chewy during this time.
  • In the Freezer: If you want to store them longer, cookies can be frozen for up to a month. To do so, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container for future baking.

FAQs

How can I make my cookies softer?

To make softer cookies, bake them for a shorter amount of time. Additionally, store them in an airtight container while they’re still slightly warm to trap moisture.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend without compromising the texture or flavor.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freezing the dough is a great way to always have cookies ready to bake. Simply scoop the dough, freeze it on a tray, then transfer it to an airtight container for up to a month.

What’s the best type of chocolate to use for these cookies?

Semisweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, but you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Alternatively, for longer storage, freeze them for up to a month.

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