🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Simple Recipe with Few Ingredients and Wonderful Flavor
If you love freshly baked cookies that fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness, you’ll adore this simple chocolate chip cookie recipe. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up delicious cookies that are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with melty chocolate. Perfect for beginners, busy bakers, or anyone craving a quick homemade treat, these cookies are proof that less is more when it comes to flavor. 💛
Inspired by classic recipes but simplified for everyday baking, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, expert chef tips, nutritional insights, and FAQs to guarantee cookie success every time. Let’s get started!
🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 egg 🥚
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour 🌾
- ¾ cup of sugar 🍬
- 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate 🍫
- 3 tablespoons of butter 🧈
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 🌿
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder ⚖️
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate
Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a spoon, drop portions of dough onto your baking tray, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before enjoying. Serve warm with a glass of milk or coffee. ☕🍪
👨🍳 Expert Chef Tips
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t overmix your dough—this keeps the cookies soft and chewy.”
- Ina Garten: “Use real vanilla extract, not imitation, for a richer flavor.”
- Bobby Flay: “Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking for thicker, bakery-style cookies.”
- The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond: “Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty balance.”
🥗 Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (40g) | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal | Provides energy boost |
| Protein | 3 g | Supports muscle repair |
| Fat | 8 g | Essential for energy and satiety |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g | Quick energy source |
| Sugar | 15 g | Sweetens naturally, boosts mood |
⚠️ Health & Safety Considerations
- Ensure eggs are fresh and handled safely to avoid contamination.
- If serving to children under 5, make smaller cookies for portion control.
- For lactose-intolerant guests, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Cookies should be stored in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
💡 Related Articles You’ll Love
- Easy No-Bake Desserts for Every Occasion
- Healthy Snack Ideas to Keep You Energized
- Simple Baking Tips for Beginners
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds a richer flavor and makes cookies softer and chewier.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, portion dough into balls and freeze. Bake directly from frozen with 2–3 extra minutes of baking time.
4. How do I make cookies extra crunchy?
Bake them for 2–3 minutes longer until edges are deeply golden.
5. Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes, but the texture may be less rich. Coconut oil is the best substitute.
6. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking and avoid overmixing butter.
7. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, walnuts, pecans, or almonds make great additions.
8. How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days.
9. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Yes! Chopped chocolate gives a more rustic, gooey texture.
10. What’s the secret to bakery-style cookies?
Use high-quality chocolate, chill the dough, and slightly underbake for a soft center.
🌟 Final Thoughts
With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can bake chocolate chip cookies that taste like they’re straight from a bakery. Perfect for family gatherings, lunchbox treats, or a cozy evening with a warm drink, these cookies bring joy in every bite. 🍪✨
