The Ultimate Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Cookies at Home

#### Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie RecipeAre you craving the warm, gooey goodness of freshly baked cookies? Look no further! This simple chocolate chip cooki……

#### Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of freshly baked cookies? Look no further! This simple chocolate chip cookie recipe is your ticket to baking the perfect batch of cookies right in your own kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up delicious cookies that will impress family and friends alike.

#### Ingredients You'll Need

To get started with this simple chocolate chip cookie recipe, gather the following ingredients:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar

- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2 large eggs

- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)

- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cookie.

3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This enhances the flavor of your cookies.

4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

5. **Fold in Chocolate Chips**: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) with a spatula. This is where the magic happens, as the chocolate chips melt into the dough, creating those irresistible gooey pockets of chocolate.

6. **Scoop the Dough**: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

7. **Bake**: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

8. **Cool Down**: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step helps them set and achieve the perfect texture.

#### Tips for Perfect Cookies

- **Chill the Dough**: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in a chewier cookie.

- **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to customize your simple chocolate chip cookie recipe by adding different types of chocolate (dark, white, or even peanut butter chips) or incorporating spices like cinnamon.

- **Storage**: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for later use—just scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag for up to three months.

By following this simple chocolate chip cookie recipe, you’ll be able to create delicious, homemade cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for yourself, these cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Happy baking!