Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless favorite, and when you can make them with just five simple ingredients, they become even more irresistible. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, busy bakers, or anyone craving homemade cookies without the hassle of a long ingredient list. Let’s dive into the recipe, some tips for perfect cookies, and how to store them for later.
1. 5 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, based on preference)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies are soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
Mix in the vanilla extract. It enhances the flavor and gives the cookies a warm, sweet aroma.
Slowly add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. The dough will feel a bit crumbly at first but will form a cohesive texture as you mix.
Gently stir in the chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough for consistent chocolatey bites.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use Softened Butter
Softened butter is easier to cream with sugar, creating air pockets in the dough. These air pockets help the cookies spread evenly and achieve a soft, chewy texture. Avoid melting the butter, as it will make the cookies greasy.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the flour, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, making the cookies tough instead of tender.
Chill the Dough (Optional)
If you’re not in a rush, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also helps intensify the flavors.
Use Quality Chocolate Chips
The chocolate is the star of the show, so choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Semi-sweet is a classic choice, but dark or milk chocolate works well, too.
Watch the Baking Time
Cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone in seconds. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers still look slightly undercooked. They’ll continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
3. How To Store & Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft.
Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can refrigerate the cookies to extend their shelf life to about 7–10 days. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to avoid absorbing odors from the fridge.
Freezing Cookies
Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To prevent sticking, layer parchment paper between them. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop the dough into portions, roll into balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
These 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies are as simple as they are delicious. With the right tips and storage methods, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime—whether you bake them now or save them for later.
