Soft-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat! These cookies are chewy and packed with gooey chocolate chips, making them perfect for anyone who loves a sweet snack.
I can’t resist the smell of them baking! They disappear so fast that I have to hide a few just for myself. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk—pure happiness! 🥛🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient for that rich flavor! If you run out, you can substitute with margarine, but cookies might be slightly less flavorful. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives the cookies depth. If you need a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind the taste might vary slightly!
Chocolate Chips: I love semi-sweet, but you can use dark chocolate for rich flavor or milk chocolate for sweetness. You can even mix in white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for variety.
All-Purpose Flour: This is a must for structure. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free blend can work, but be mindful it may change the cookie’s texture.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Soft Cookies?
The key to soft, chewy cookies lies in mixing and baking time. Here’s how:
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: Beat until light and fluffy; this helps incorporate air for softness.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
- Thicker Dough Balls: Larger dough mounds help cookies stay chewy; they’ll puff up nicely in the oven.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on them! Take them out when the edges are set but centers are still soft. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.
Remember, these techniques are what make a cookie soft and perfectly chewy! With practice, you’ll have peoples’ mouths watering in no time.
Soft-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
For Optional Topping:
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 9-12 minutes for baking. After that, let them cool for 5 minutes before enjoying! In total, you’ll be ready to indulge in freshly baked cookies in approximately 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air into the dough, giving your cookies that soft texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the baking soda and salt throughout the cookie dough.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Use low speed to mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can make your cookies tough.
6. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop generous mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. For that signature soft-batch look, make the dough balls slightly larger than usual—this helps them bake up thick and chewy!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Now it’s time to bake! Put your cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. You want the edges to turn lightly golden while the center remains soft and puffy. Don’t worry, they will set up as they cool!
9. Add the Finishing Touch:
If you like, once out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture.
11. Store or Serve:
Serve warm with a glass of cold milk and enjoy! If you have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—if they last that long!
Now, enjoy your irresistibly soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies filled with melty chocolate goodness in every bite!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different—still delicious, though!
How Can I Make These Cookies Even Chewier?
For chewier cookies, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a delightful chewy texture.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake directly from frozen, just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
What Should I Do If My Cookies Spread Too Much?
If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, it could be due to warm dough or inadequate flour. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider adding an extra 1-4 tablespoons of flour to the dough if needed.