Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract and beat until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, beating on low speed. Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir in the chocolate chips and optional nuts by hand. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. Don’t overbake — the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without becoming hard.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything mix together more evenly.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies with richer flavor, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Try different chocolates: Mix dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a gourmet twist.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of flaky salt on top before baking enhances the chocolate flavor.
Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion:
Making chocolate chip cookies at home is more than just a baking task — it’s a comforting ritual, a nostalgic journey, and a way to share joy with others. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe guarantees a batch of cookies that are golden, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate. Happy baking!
