The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your home. The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is here to transform your kitchen into a bakery, filling it with the warm, sweet scent of buttery goodness. This recipe is simple yet yields cookies that are perfectly chewy, deliciously sweet, and packed with chocolate chips. Whether you are baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because, this classic treat will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
This recipe captures the essence of what makes chocolate chip cookies so beloved. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, these cookies boast a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey center. The use of bread flour adds a delightful chewiness that keeps each cookie satisfying. Plus, the combination of butter-flavored shortening with sugars creates that rich, indulgent flavor profile everyone craves. Once you experience The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll find it hard to use any other recipe!
Your Shopping Guide
To get started on this delightful baking adventure, here’s a detailed shopping list:
- 2 cups bread flour: This flour gives the cookies their chewy texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 cup butter-flavored Crisco shortening: Imparts a rich flavor and keeps the cookies tender.
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar: Adds sweetness and promotes browning.
- ¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Offers moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract: Essential for that classic cookie flavor.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: The star of the show, choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate for depth.
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you dive into baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- Electric mixer: To make creaming butter and sugars easy.
- Baking sheets: Choose non-stick or line with parchment paper.
- Cooling rack: To cool cookies evenly after baking.
Cooking The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Process
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups bread flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Shortening and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup butter-flavored Crisco shortening, ¾ cup granulated white sugar, and ¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add 2 large eggs and 1 Tbsp vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in 2 cups chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. This ensures that the cookies will have that perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter-flavored Crisco with a non-dairy shortening.
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.
- Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 Tbsp water per egg).
Cook’s Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and texture.
- Feel free to mix in nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the cooling rack; it’s essential for keeping the cookies from becoming soggy.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once your cookies are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly less chewy. Bread flour is recommended for the best results.
What type of chocolate chips are best for this recipe?
Semisweet chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready!
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Cookies may spread if the dough is too warm or if there isn’t enough flour. Ensure you measure accurately and chill the dough if necessary.
Bring It to the Table
Gather your friends and family, and serve The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies warm from the oven alongside a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings or a simple treat to enjoy with loved ones. Watch as smiles spread across faces with each gooey, chocolate-filled bite. There’s no denying that this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a classic treat; they are a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and joy. With every batch, you’re not just baking, you’re creating memories. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the baking magic begin!
The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bread flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter-flavored Crisco shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Step 7: Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- Step 9: Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor and texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
