How to bake chocolate chip cookies
Answer
To bake chocolate chip cookies, cream together softened butter and sugars, mix in eggs and vanilla, combine with dry ingredients, fold in chocolate chips, scoop dough onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F until golden brown 123.
To bake chocolate chip cookies, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture 2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing 4.
Once the dough is prepared, fold in chocolate chips or chunks, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough 5. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking 6. For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking, as this can help reduce spreading and enhance flavor 7.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft 8. It's important not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet 9. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely 10. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up and develop their full flavor 11.
For storage, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days 12. If you prefer to freeze the dough for future baking, portion it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary 13.
By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies with a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers. Remember, the key to great cookies lies in the quality of ingredients and careful attention to mixing and baking times 14.