What’s the secret to a perfect sweet treat that’s both easy and homemade? Freshly baked cookies loaded with dark chocolate and crunchy walnuts are a family favorite. Save this idea for your next weeknight dinner dessert solution.

Two Plates Filled with Cookies on Top of a Wooden Table

Introduction

Welcome to the coziest of cookie recipes, perfect for a lazy afternoon or a quick dessert to impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying a delightful spread of cookies on your wooden table in no time. This recipe is all about embracing the ease of baking, the joy of flavor, and the creativity that comes with using everyday ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour provides a classic foundation that is both delicious and easy to work with. Plus, these ingredients are staples in most kitchens, making this recipe highly accessible.
• Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward, and the dough comes together quickly, allowing you to focus on the fun part – enjoying your cookies.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields cookies that are not only tasty but also visually appealing, perfect for serving to friends and family or as a centerpiece for any gathering.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this cookie recipe include 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature), 3/4 cup white granulated sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. For practical substitutions, you can use salted butter and omit the additional salt, or swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or a combination of nuts and dried fruits for a different flavor profile.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Step 4: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown on the edges and set in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• For the best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This will help the dough come together smoothly and evenly. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften the butter in the microwave in 10-second increments, checking until it’s ready.
• Don’t overbake. The cookies should be lightly golden and still slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or even candy pieces to create unique flavor combinations.

Heat Control

When it comes to baking cookies, maintaining the right oven temperature is crucial. Ensure your oven is at 375°F (190°C) for this recipe. If you’re unsure, consider investing in an oven thermometer to get an accurate reading. The baking time will depend on the size of your cookies and your oven’s performance, but as a general guideline, bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a set center as signs of doneness.

Crunch Factor

The texture of your cookies can vary based on baking time and personal preference. For chewier cookies, bake for 8-10 minutes. For crisper cookies, bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them to achieve your desired level of crunch or chew.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Chill your dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies retain their shape better and bake up with a nicer texture.
• Use parchment paper: Not only does parchment paper make cleanup easier, but it also prevents the cookies from spreading too much and can help them bake more evenly.
• Don’t overmix: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Storage Tips

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. When freezing, consider placing the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together.
• For the freshest flavor, consider baking in batches and freezing the dough balls. Simply place the desired number of dough balls onto a baking sheet and bake as instructed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to share your cookies as a gift, consider packaging them in decorative jars, tin containers, or even paper bags with a ribbon tie. You can also include a personalized note or a packet of hot cocoa mix for an extra-special touch. For a more rustic look, place the cookies in a wooden crate or a vintage tin filled with parchment paper.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to give your cookies a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Press a few chocolate chips, nuts, or even candy pieces into the top of each cookie immediately after baking for an added layer of flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate for a peanut butter cookie, or add oats for a slightly heartier cookie.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cookies are too hard, they might have been overbaked. If they’re too soft, they might not have been baked long enough. Adjust the baking time as needed for your next batch.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, consider what you can substitute it with. For example, brown sugar can be replaced with a mixture of white sugar and molasses.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden on the edges and still slightly soft in the center when done. If they’re too dark, they’re overcooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the dough balls. Frozen dough balls can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a minute or two to the baking time.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to adapt the recipe, keeping in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and proceed with the recipe as instructed. Keep in mind that you may need to bake the cookies in batches depending on the size of your baking sheets.

Conclusion

With this simple yet versatile cookie recipe, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip, prefer something a bit more adventurous, or are looking for a fun baking project to enjoy with family and friends, this recipe has you covered. Don’t be afraid to experiment, share your creations, and most importantly, have fun with it. Baking is about joy, sharing, and the love that goes into every single cookie. So go ahead, get baking, and fill those plates with love, one delicious cookie at a time.