These classic vanilla-infused chocolate chip cookies are a delightful combination of buttery dough, sweet brown sugar, and rich chocolate chips. Each bite is perfectly soft and chewy, with a slight crispness around the edges. The generous amount of vanilla elevates the flavor, making these cookies a comforting and irresistible treat.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these chocolate chip cookies are sure to be a hit. They come together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and their perfect balance of sweetness and texture will make them an instant favorite in your home.
Full Recipe:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough into 1 1/2 tbsp portions and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 47 kcal per cookie | Servings: 30 cookies
About the Recipe
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is the culmination of years of testing and perfecting. What sets it apart from other cookie recipes is the generous use of vanilla extract, which not only enhances the flavor of the chocolate chips but also brings out the deep, caramel-like notes of the brown sugar. This results in a cookie that’s rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced in sweetness.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother dough and better texture in the cookies.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar Properly: When creaming the butter and sugar, beat them until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough, leading to cookies that are soft and tender.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, as it develops more gluten in the flour.
- Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies (Optional): If you prefer a thicker cookie with less spread, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the fat in the dough, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better in the oven.
- Baking Time and Temperature: These cookies are best baked at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. For perfectly soft and chewy cookies, bake them until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown, and the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Different Types of Chocolate: Mix in a combination of semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips for a more complex flavor. You can also chop up a chocolate bar for bigger, melty chunks.
- Nuts and Dried Fruit: Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can add a chewy, sweet-tart contrast to the rich cookie.
- Flavor Enhancements: For a more sophisticated taste, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. You can also experiment with adding a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for an unexpected twist.
Storage and Freezing
- Storing Baked Cookies: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container; the bread will absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies fresh.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: This cookie dough freezes exceptionally well. Scoop the dough into individual portions, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve these cookies warm with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic dessert experience.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into a decadent treat by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Freeze the assembled sandwiches for a cool and indulgent dessert.
- Cookie Crumble Topping: Crumble leftover cookies over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an easy and delicious topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is a must-have in every home baker’s repertoire. It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a rich, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, the dough is versatile—whether you want to bake immediately or freeze for later, these cookies come out perfect every time. They are a hit for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations.
Related Recipes
If you loved these chocolate chip cookies, you might also enjoy trying:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A rich and nutty twist on the classic.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Chewy, wholesome cookies packed with oats and plump raisins.
- Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies: For the ultimate chocolate lover, these cookies are loaded with chocolate chunks in a fudgy, chocolate cookie base.
Customizing Your Chocolate Chip Cookies
This versatile cookie dough can be easily adapted to suit your preferences:
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes until thickened). Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will provide structure to the cookies and keep them from crumbling.
- Add a Twist with Mix-Ins: Enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies by adding 1/2 cup of mix-ins like chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds), dried fruits (cranberries, cherries), or even a handful of shredded coconut.
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies: For an indulgent twist, add small caramel bits to the dough and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
- Espresso-Infused Cookies: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips.
The Importance of Vanilla in Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vanilla extract is the star of this recipe. Using a full tablespoon of vanilla may seem like a lot, but it makes a significant difference in flavor. Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the cookie and complements the chocolate chips, giving the cookies a rich, aromatic quality. For an even more intense flavor, use pure vanilla extract or try a combination of vanilla and almond extract for a unique twist.
How to Store and Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven for a few minutes.
- Warm Them Up: For the best experience, enjoy these cookies warm. You can microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds to give it that freshly baked texture.
Perfect Pairings with Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Milk: The classic pairing of chocolate chip cookies and milk is unbeatable. The creamy, cold milk balances the sweetness and richness of the cookies.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Serve these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies, while hot chocolate enhances the chocolatey goodness.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make a decadent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Recipe Success Stories
- Great for Gifting: These chocolate chip cookies make wonderful gifts. Package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows you care.
- Cookie Dough as a Treat: This cookie dough is so delicious that many bakers admit to sneaking a bite before it goes in the oven. If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, consider using pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute in the dough.
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Issues
- Flat Cookies: If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up, preventing excessive spreading. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh; expired leavening agents can cause cookies to flatten.
- Dry or Crumbly Dough: If the dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water to moisten it. This can happen if too much flour is accidentally added.
- Overly Crisp Cookies: If your cookies turn out too crispy, reduce the baking time slightly. Remember, cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after they’re removed from the oven.
Baking for Different Preferences
- Chewy: For chewier cookies, substitute half of the granulated sugar with more brown sugar. Brown sugar adds more moisture, resulting in a chewier texture.
- Crispy: For crispier cookies, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking and bake for an extra minute or two until the edges are deeply golden.
Enhance Your Baking Experience
Baking these cookies is not just about the end result—it’s about the joy of the process. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, and the pleasure of sharing homemade cookies with loved ones make this recipe a timeless favorite.
Conclusion
These classic chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat, delivering the perfect balance of chewy centers and crispy edges with a rich, vanilla-infused flavor. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a gift, or simply to indulge, these cookies are sure to bring joy with every bite. Happy baking!