The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie

Some days you just need a cookie…

“Making these with my kids was as much fun as eating them!”

-Anonymous

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp. cinnamon (optional, but I love this little twist)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the rack is in the center position.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix; this can make the cookies tough.

6. Add Chocolate Chips:

• Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. You can also add nuts or other mix-ins if desired.

7. Prepare Baking Sheets:

• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

8. Portion the Dough:

• Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

9. Bake:

• Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remember that cookies will continue to cook slightly after you take them out of the oven, so don’t overbake.

10. Cool: – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and develop their perfect texture.

11. Enjoy: – Once the cookies have cooled, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your perfect homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Pro Tips:

• For chewier cookies, reduce the baking time slightly.
• You can customize your cookies by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or different types of chocolate chips.
• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment.