These cookies hold a special place in my heart because they were the first recipe I truly dove into when I was younger and just beginning to explore my love of being in the kitchen. The recipe came from a cherished cookbook that belonged to my mom when she was a little girl. Its pages were well-worn and filled with memories, and this particular recipe quickly became my favorite.
I remember pulling out that cookbook, its binding slightly frayed, and feeling so grown-up as I worked through the steps. I practiced making these cookies so often that they became a weekend tradition. I loved perfecting every part of the process—creaming the butter and sugar just right, folding in the chocolate chips, and, of course, sneaking a taste of the dough (how could anyone resist?). Before long, I became the go-to cookie baker in the house, and it was almost impossible to keep everyone out of the cookie dough before I could even get them in the oven.
Baking these cookies not only gave me confidence in the kitchen but also sparked my passion for creating treats that bring joy to others. Even now, this recipe feels like a comforting hug from my childhood, and the smell of them baking instantly fills my home with warmth and nostalgia.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
Before diving into the recipe, here are a few tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly and ensures even baking.
- Chill the Dough (If You Can Wait!): For thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Customize Your Chocolate Chips: While classic semi-sweet chips are my favorite, you can switch it up with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a mix of all three!
- Underbake Slightly: For soft and gooey centers, take the cookies out when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit underdone. They’ll finish baking on the hot tray as they cool.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- Stand/Hand Mixer
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Size #40 Cookie Scoop
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup crisco/shortening
- 2/3 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, adding as much or as little as you like.
- Using a #40 cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop the dough into 12 evenly sized portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The centers may still look slightly soft—that’s perfect!
Notes
- Room-Temperature Butter: Start with softened butter for easy mixing and the ideal cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading and enhances the flavor.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup to avoid overpacking, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Underbake for Chewiness: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Add a Custom Touch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking or mix in your favorite extras like chopped nuts or toffee bits.
- Storage Tips: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze unbaked dough balls for fresh cookies anytime.