Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through your home, especially when they’re Giant Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies! These delightful treats are the epitome of comfort and indulgence, boasting a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft and chewy center. Each bite brings a rich burst of chocolate flavor that will send you straight to dessert heaven. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 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
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 12 large cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release for your cookies.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda until well combined – this will help give your cookies that perfect texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
- Add in the pure vanilla extract and the eggs, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. The batter should be rich and glossy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or a large spoon, scoop generous portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still appear soft to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For the best texture, be sure to use room-temperature butter. Cold butter will not cream properly, impacting the cookie’s chewiness. If you like a bit of a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking – it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!
Cooking Techniques
When baking cookies, it’s vital to monitor your oven closely. Every oven heats differently, and cookies can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in just a minute. To check for doneness, look for lightly golden edges and slightly puffed centers. Trust your gut – if they look a bit underbaked, that’s okay; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
No problem! You can scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for longer storage. Just bake them directly from the freezer; you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping in nuts, dried fruits, or even chunks of your favorite candy for a fun change of pace!
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for Giant Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies that will surely bring smiles to everyone around you. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are the perfect companion. Enjoy the delightful process of making them as much as you will savor each bite. Happy baking!