Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, and these Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen. With their golden edges, soft chewy centers, and rich chocolate bursts, these cookies are reminiscent of a cozy bakery treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are a delightful choice that never disappoints!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and helps the cookies bake evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for aeration and ensuring your cookies rise perfectly.
- In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes — the fluffier, the better!
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The eggs help bind the ingredients and provide richness.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips, accommodating every morsel into the dough for that ultimate chocolate experience.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie for them to spread as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting period enhances the texture!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies right before baking. It elevates the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast. Also, if you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Happy baking!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes the creaming method, where the butter and sugars are beaten together to incorporate air, creating a lighter cookie. Remember to use room temperature butter for optimal mixing. Additionally, make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven — they will firm up as they cool.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be great alternatives if you want to customize your flavor.
How should I store these cookies?
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them soft, you might add a slice of bread in the container.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!
Conclusion
These Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless treat that invites smiles and memories with each bite. Their warm, comforting flavor combined with the rich, melty chocolate makes them a beloved classic. Whether enjoyed alone with a glass of cold milk or shared with loved ones, they are sure to bring a moment of sweetness to any day. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch that will warm your heart and home!