Description
These classic Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures with rich chocolate chips and optional walnuts for added crunch. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they’re a delightful treat loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick cold butter
- 1 egg (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for egg substitute)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Sweeteners
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 full bag of chocolate chips (approx. 12 oz)
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) to ensure a hot baking environment for the cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda for an even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Prepare Butter: Cut the cold butter into small pieces and place them into a larger mixing bowl, ready for creaming with sugars.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Combine the cold butter with the brown sugar and white granulated sugar, then add the egg (or applesauce) and vanilla extract. Stir gently to start forming the cookie dough base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the dough is well combined but not overmixed, to maintain tender cookie texture.
- Mix in Chocolate and Nuts: Incorporate the chocolate chips and, if using, walnut pieces evenly through the dough for flavor and texture.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough balls and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes or until the tops are golden brown, watching carefully to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheet. They will continue cooking slightly as they cool. Enjoy warm for soft, melty cookies.
Notes
- Using cold butter helps achieve a firmer dough that creates thicker cookies with a satisfying texture.
- The cornstarch in the recipe softens the cookies and adds tenderness.
- Substituting egg with applesauce makes this recipe suitable for those avoiding eggs, keeping it moist and delicious.
- Watch the baking time closely to prevent overbaking, which can lead to hard cookies.
- Walnuts are optional but add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Letting the cookies cool on the pan allows them to set properly without breaking apart.
