Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked batch of cookies, especially when they are Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are a delightful treat that can transport you back to your childhood with every bite. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips, they make the perfect snack or dessert to share with friends and family. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that guarantees a sweet success every time.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s quick to whip up and delivers that perfect balance of softness and sweetness, this is it! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Only requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight baking project.
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture with a rich chocolate flavor.
- Customizable with different types of chocolate chips or add-ins.
Gather These Ingredients
To make these Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling
Equipment & Tools
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk – to beat the butter and sugars.
- Baking sheet – to bake the cookies.
- Parchment paper – for easy cookie removal.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for uniform cookie sizes.
Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Cooking Guide
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get baking these Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures your cookies rise perfectly.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon. If you like, reserve a few chips to sprinkle on top of the cookies before baking.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Let Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect soft texture!
Smart Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some substitutions you can consider:
- For a nutty flavor, add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
- Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free version.
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even the most seasoned bakers can encounter pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using cold butter instead of softened can lead to dense cookies.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly can throw off the cookie balance.
- Skipping the chilling step can affect the texture and spread of the cookies.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To keep your Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds.
FAQ
Can I use brown sugar only for these cookies?
Yes, you can use only brown sugar, but the cookies may be denser and chewier. Mixing both sugars gives a nice balance of flavor and texture.
Why do we add cornstarch to the cookie dough?
Cornstarch helps to create a softer and more tender cookie by preventing gluten formation, resulting in that coveted soft texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately and consider chilling the dough for a bit before baking.
Quick Weeknight Wins
If you’re looking for other quick and easy cookie recipes to try, check out these links:
- Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies for a healthier option.
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for a seasonal twist.
- Dulce De Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a decadent treat.
See You at the Table
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. These Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike, and they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk, serving them at a party, or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for longer storage, up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
