Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

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This no-chill chocolate chip cookie recipe combines everything you love in a cookie. They are soft yet chewy and the best homemade version of a classic cookie!

It has taken me several attempts, but I finally have the perfect chocolate chip cookie.  If you enjoy a cookie that has a crunchy exterior while remaining chewy on the inside with a cake-like softness then this recipe for you!

I adapted this recipe and use it as a base for most of my cookies. Like these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, banana nut bread cookies, chocolate chip salted caramel cookies and butterscotch toffee cookies. Oh, you must try them!

Classic recipes are simply the best! You just can’t beat classic peanut butter blossoms, basic butter cookies, or classic sugar cookies.

The best part is the dough doesn’t require chilling! You can just mix it up and bake right away. This saves an immense amount of time.

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Why this recipe works

The recipe is formulated so the dough doesn’t require refrigeration before baking.

Usually, I’ll add shortening to my cookies to keep them from spreading but this recipe is made will all butter. Butter gives the best flavor and helps the edges of the cookie crispen.

The dough doesn’t require chilling because the ratio of flour to fat makes it so the dough can be baked right away without the cookies spreading too much.

Ingredients

These chocolate chip cookies are high in fat, which contributes to the flavor and tenderness. The high-fat content also extends the shelf life.

• Butter: Unsalted butter makes the cookie taste rich in flavor and allows the cookies to brown.
• Sugar: Brown sugar will give the cookies a chewy texture while white sugar caramelizes and make the edges crisp.
• Eggs: Eggs also add richness and keep the cookies tender.
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour contains enough protein to add structure without toughening the cookies.
• Leavening: Baking soda is used to give the cookies rise and helps them develop a golden color.
• Salt: A little salt helps balance the sweetness. You can cut back on the amount used if desired.
• Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are what I used but you can use coarsely chopped chocolate instead.

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Equipment needed

Mixer. You can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer.

Cookie scoop. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the cookies for uniform sizes.

Baking sheets. Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat work best.

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Step-by-step Instructions

I’m going to walk you through exactly how to make homemade chocolate chip cookies. The process is quick and simple. And the best part is the dough can be baked immediately without chilling.

Step 1. Properly measure ingredients

First, you will need to start by measuring the flour correctly.  This is crucial!  Too much flour will leave your cookies dry and crumbly.

I wrote an entire post on how to measure flour. I recommend reading it over and applying all the tips to your future baking endeavors as well as today’s recipe.

Step 2. Combine the wet ingredients

Cream the fat and sugar together to create a lump-free mixture and blend the ingredients completely.

Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until fully combined. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 3. Combine the dry ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Add it to the butter mixture all at once and mix slowly just until the flour is incorporated.

Fold in the chocolate chips and take care not to overmix the dough.

Step 4. Bake

Use a cookie scoop to drop mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes at 350°F. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and appear soft/underdone in the centers.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. The residual heat from the baking sheet will continue to cook the cookies as they sit.

After 10 minutes you can transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Storage tips

These chocolate chip cookies keep well and will remain soft for days after baking.

• The best way to store cookies that have been baked is to place them in a zip-top bag and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to 1 week.
• A little tip I picked up from Cook’s Illustrated is to place half a slice of bread in the bag with the cookies. This will prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.