Ultimate Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies

If you’re craving the perfect chocolate chip cookies that are crisp on the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and filled with melty pockets of chocolate, look no further. These Ultimate Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and utterly irresistible. The secret to their amazing flavor and texture is the perfect balance of butter, brown sugar, and the right baking time to achieve the ideal texture.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or a mix of semisweet and milk chocolate)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

For Topping (optional but recommended):

• Extra chocolate chips (for pressing into the tops of the dough balls)
• A pinch of sea salt (for sprinkling)

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Equipment Needed

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning dough
• Wire rack for cooling

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Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set this aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 3/4 cup light brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. The air incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture will help make the cookies chewy and tender.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

• Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt mixture) to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as that can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips

• Stir in the 2 cups chocolate chips (and 1/2 cup chopped nuts, if using) by hand using a spatula or spoon. Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Portion and Shape the Dough

• Use a cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) or a tablespoon to scoop dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, as the cookies will spread while baking.
• For an extra chocolatey look, gently press a few additional chocolate chips into the top of each dough ball before baking.
• If you like a touch of salt, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each dough ball to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

• Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 9-11 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should still look a little soft (they’ll firm up as they cool).
• If you prefer a slightly chewier cookie, remove them at the 9-minute mark. For crispier edges, bake closer to 11 minutes.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and makes them easier to remove without falling apart.

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Notes and Tips

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting. It should be soft enough that you can easily press a finger into it but not melted. This helps create a smooth, well-blended dough.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer slightly thicker cookies or want to avoid spreading too much, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This will help prevent them from spreading too thin in the oven.
• Different Chocolate Types: For added depth of flavor, mix semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips or even dark chocolate. You can also chop up a chocolate bar for a chunkier texture.
• Adding Nuts: If you’re adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, chop them up into small pieces before adding them to the dough. Nuts give a nice texture contrast and enhance the flavor.
• Freezing Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can bake the frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

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Serving Suggestions

• These cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. You can serve them as a dessert at parties, bake sales, or just enjoy them as an afternoon treat.
• For a fun twist, you can even make a cookie sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.

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Conclusion

These Ultimate Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate chip cookie lover. With their rich buttery flavor, perfect balance of sweetness, and gooey pockets of chocolate, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make, customizable, and simply irresistible, these cookies will become your go-to recipe for classic, delicious chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy!