Description
This classic Neighbor’s Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe delivers chewy, soft-centered cookies with golden edges and a delightful balance of sweet brown and granulated sugars. Loaded with semisweet chocolate chips and an optional nutty crunch, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing or indulging at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Optional
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy removal and cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped nuts gently to distribute them evenly.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches spacing between each cookie to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Notes
- Using softened butter ensures better creaming with sugars for a lighter cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow to cool on the sheet.
- Optional nuts add texture and flavor but can be omitted.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
