Old fashioned chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic, beloved by generations for their chewy centers, crisp edges, and gooey chocolate pockets. With a buttery dough, just the right amount of sweetness, and plenty of chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make the best old fashioned chocolate chip cookies that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma.
1. Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips, if preferred)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and helps your cookies achieve the perfect texture.
Line baking sheets: Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Measure the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Soften the butter: Ensure that your 1 cup of unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. Soft butter creams more easily with the sugars, resulting in a light, airy dough.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the softened butter with ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ¾ cup of packed brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Incorporate the vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. The vanilla deepens the flavor of the cookies, adding a warm, sweet aroma.
Add the eggs: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps bind the dough and contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour in the dough.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips (and Nuts, if Using)
Stir in the chocolate chips: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you like a variety of textures and flavors, you can use a combination of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
Optional: Add nuts: For a more traditional take, fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans). The nuts add a delightful crunch and complement the softness of the cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim for about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie. Space them 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
Shape the dough: For a more uniform appearance, you can gently roll the cookie dough into balls with your hands. This is optional but can result in more evenly shaped cookies.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.
Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set and develop the perfect chewy texture.
2. Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Room-temperature ingredients mix together more easily and create a smoother dough, resulting in cookies with a better texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour to the wet ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing will develop too much gluten, causing the cookies to be tough instead of soft and chewy.
Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Experiment with Chocolate: For a richer flavor, try using a combination of semi-sweet, dark, and milk chocolate chips. You can even chop up a chocolate bar for larger chocolate chunks.
Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the dough balls before baking. The slight saltiness enhances the sweetness of the cookie and balances the richness of the chocolate.
3. Variations of Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: For the chocolate lovers out there, make double chocolate chip cookies by substituting ½ cup of cocoa powder for ½ cup of flour. This creates a rich, chocolatey dough that pairs perfectly with the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a hearty texture. The oats provide a chewy bite that complements the chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a nutty twist, stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough along with the wet ingredients. You can also add peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts. The creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamias create a deliciously sweet variation.
4. Storing and Freezing Cookies
Storing: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the bread will help maintain moisture.
Freezing: To freeze cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have freshly baked cookies in no time!
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, offering the perfect blend of chewy centers, crispy edges, and melty chocolate goodness. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these classic cookies that everyone will love.
