BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed light-brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips (whatever ratio you prefer)

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until creamy and well combined.

Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour remaining.

Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remember, baking time may vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on them.

Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

These cookies are wonderfully chewy with crispy edges, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients and the right baking time. Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste preferences. And remember, they pair amazingly with a cold glass of milk!

Experimenting with this recipe can be fun too! Some people like to chill the dough before baking for a denser cookie, while others prefer to use different types of chocolate or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor dimension. Enjoy your baking adventure!