Introduction
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen, and these Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect way to bring that magic home. With an irresistibly soft and chewy texture, a rich blend of buttery flavors, and gooey pockets of semi-sweet chocolate, these cookies are bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda until well combined, and then set the mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt together. Mix until the blend is smooth and creamy, creating a delightful base for your cookies.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and the eggs to your butter mixture, stirring vigorously until everything is well incorporated, and you can see a glossy sheen.
- Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this maintains the cookies’ tender texture.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you like, the chopped nuts for that extra crunch and flavor contrast.
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked—trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, allowing them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider using a mix of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or milk chocolate. You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which can enhance the cookie’s flavor and texture. If you want to make your cookies even more decadent, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking!
Cooking Techniques
To achieve the perfect balance of chewy centers and crispy edges, remember to watch your baking time closely. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. A general rule is to remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the middle still looks a touch underbaked.
FAQ
Can I freeze the dough for later use? Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the frozen balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven without thawing; you may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the eggs? If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes).
Conclusion
These Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are the quintessential homemade treat that offers a warm and nostalgic hug in every bite. Their deliciously chewy texture, paired with the rich chocolate, makes them a timeless classic perfect for sharing—but we won’t tell if you decide to keep them all for yourself! Happy baking!