Save to Pinterest Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies with a soft crumb, inspired by cozy weekend baking traditions. These comforting cookies are packed with rich chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla for the perfect nostalgic treat.
These cookies remind me of relaxing weekends baking with family, filling the house with the sweetest aromas.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour: dry ingredient
- 1 tsp baking soda: dry ingredient
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: dry ingredient
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened: wet ingredient
- 3/4 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar: wet ingredient
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: wet ingredient
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: wet ingredient
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: wet ingredient
- 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: add-in
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): add-in
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in add-ins:
- Fold in the chocolate chips and if using the chopped nuts.
- Scoop dough:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake cookies:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool cookies:
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these cookies during holiday gatherings always brings smiles and warm memories to the family.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Use room temperature eggs to ensure they blend well. Chilling dough before baking can help control spreading.
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Try adding white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor twist.
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Following these steps will yield perfectly nostalgic and delicious chocolate chip cookies every time.
Your Questions Answered
- → How do I achieve soft, chewy texture?
Underbake slightly and allow cookies to finish setting on the baking sheet for a tender, chewy crumb.
- → Can I substitute nuts in this preparation?
Yes, walnuts can be swapped for pecans or omitted entirely for a nut-free version without compromising texture.
- → What makes these cookies buttery yet soft?
Using softened unsalted butter creamed with sugars provides richness and contributes to the tender crumb.
- → Is there a way to add a flavor contrast?
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweetness and adds complexity.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness and freshness for several days.