Tips for Making The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who’s ready to get baking? As we gear up for holiday baking, I want to share these tried-and-true tips that will help you bake the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted.
The other night, my daughter and I got to talking about those must-have recipes. You know, the ones that always steal the show. My Chocolate Chip Cookies are definitely one of those.
Today, I’m sharing my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe, perfect for the holidays. I’ve tweaked it over the years to achieve cookie perfection.
I should mention that Chocolate Chip Cookies and Rugelach are my favorites. Homemade cookies are the best dessert ever!
Affiliate links are used for your convenience at no additional cost. Your support helps me maintain my blog and offers more free tutorials. Thank you! Read my full disclosure here.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Quality Ingredients
There is no substitution for butter in cookies. I always use real butter. You should ensure your butter is not stale and absorbs smells from the refrigerator. Old stale butter will make your cookies taste horrible.
Another item not to skimp on is pure vanilla extract. Never use imitation vanilla. You want a good quality vanilla extract. My favorite is Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. Believe me when I tell you, it does make a difference.
2. Eggs – Room Temperature
What happens if you don’t use eggs at room temperature when baking? Room-temperature eggs help the eggs blend better and more evenly in your batter. Cold eggs could make your batter lumpy and require the cookies to bake a little longer.
How long should eggs sit out to be room temperature? They will reach room temperature within 30 minutes.
3. Parchment Paper
Why use parchment paper for cookies? There are several good reasons to use parchment paper. The important thing is that it helps bake the cookies evenly. The parchment paper distributes your oven’s heat more evenly and keeps the highly concentrated heat of your metal baking pan (or foil lining) from scorching the bottoms of your cookies. Another important tip is the non-stick quality of parchment paper, which will help prevent the cookies from cracking or breaking when lifted off the sheet.
Is parchment paper really necessary? It’s not absolutely necessary. Yes, you will see the difference parchment paper makes when baking cookies. Plus, it keeps your baking sheets clean with fewer items to wash.
4. Cookie Scoop
I have three sizes of cookie scoops and love them. They make your cookies all the same size. For this recipe, I like to use a medium-sized cookie scoop. A cookie scoop just makes the job easier.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 Cup Oats (not instant) 1/3 Cup should be after you grind the oats in a blender, Nutribullet or food processor.
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract No imitation vanilla. Use a good quality vanilla extract.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Cup Salted Butter (not substitution) (Two Sticks Soften)
- 3/4 Cup Granulated White Sugar
- 3/4 Cup Light Packed Brown Sugar
- 2 1/2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Use good chocolate chips such as GhiGhirardelli
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F.
- Line the baking sheet pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl (I use my KitchenAid Mixer), cream butter, granulated white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Add eggs to the mixture and mix until all ingredients are creamy.
- Add flour, salt and baking soda.
- In a food processor grind the oats to a powder. Then add to the cookie mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips and mix until all are distributed into the cookie mixture. Do not over mix.
- Stir in chopped nuts and mix (optional).
- Using a medium size cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoon of cookie mixture onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Using a cookie scoop will produce cookies of the same size.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes (depending on your oven) or until golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes and remove to wire racks or plate to thoroughly cool.
- Cookies can be stored in air tight containers. Cookies can also be made ahead and store in the freezer. Remove 1/2 hour before serving to thaw.
Notes
PIN IT!
Favorite Baking Supplies
You May Enjoy
-
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Cookies (So Easy!)
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, here is a melt-in-your-mouth strawberry cookie (so easy too). Baking doesn’t have to be complicated! These melt-in-your-mouth strawberry cookies prove that deliciousness can be achieved with minimal effort. They are perfect for a delightful homemade Valentine’s Day gift. Your family will love them. And believe me when I…
-
Celebrate in Style! Five Festive Cookie Recipes for Holidays & Parties
The holidays are upon us, and with them comes a whirlwind of merrymaking, gift-giving, and holiday baking! What better way to spread cheer, comfort, and joy than serving festive cookies at your holiday dinners and parties? But hold on before you reach for the same old sugar cookie recipe. This roundup features five delicious cookies…
-
Chocolate Chip Cookies: More Than Just a Dessert
My favorite cookie of all time is chocolate chip cookies. They are baked until golden, crispy around the edges, and soft in the center. Over the years, I have worked to perfect my chocolate chip cookie. The key to making a good cookie is good quality simple ingredients. Check out my post, Tips for Making…
-
Rugelach Cookies
Rugelach Cookies are one of my favorite cookies. These cookies are special because my mother and I make them only around Christmas. Rugelach does require a little more work. Believe me when I say they are well worth it. If you have never heard of Rugelach, it is a Jewish Pastry. These cookies have a…
-
Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies
Here is a really quick and easy no bake cookie recipe. They are called Chinese New Year Cookies and my three sons love them! It is another recipe that was handed down from my mother. This cookie recipe is on my top 5 must make cookies for the holidays. I remember baking with her as…
-
Easy Delicious Christmas Shortbread Cookies
These easy delicious Christmas Shortbread Cookies are super easy to make. The cookies just melt in your mouth. These buttery delights are perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving. Learn how to make these delicious treats in just a few simple steps. These cookies have a delicious buttery taste with hints of vanilla. They are super…
And there you have it! With these tips, you’re well on your way to baking the best chocolate chip cookies ever. Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment. Happy baking!
XOXO,
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic! Every holiday tray needs them. I’m going to try your recipe this season. Yum!
Yes, Kim!!! Plus, they are one of my favorite cookies.