A Chewy, Chocolatey Treat for the Holiday Season
When the holidays roll around, we all have our must-bake recipes, and these classic chocolate chip cookies are at the top of our list. There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, especially when they’re loaded with chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla. We love making these cookies not only for family gatherings but also as a treat for Santa—who, let’s face it, deserves a break after a long night of delivering gifts. These cookies are chewy on the inside with a perfect golden-brown edge, exactly how we think a holiday cookie should be!
Chocolate chip cookies have a long history of bringing people together, dating back to the 1930s when they were accidentally invented in the Toll House Inn. Now, they’re a holiday staple in households worldwide. So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and let’s create some delicious memories with these irresistible cookies.
🍪 Did You Know?
Chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident! Ruth Wakefield discovered them at the Toll House Inn when she ran out of baker’s chocolate and substituted it with chopped chocolate pieces. The rest is sweet history!
Baking with Family: The Best Kind of Tradition
One of our favorite things about making these cookies is that it’s a recipe everyone can help with! Kids love mixing the dough and sneaking a chocolate chip or two when no one’s looking. And let’s be real—we’re all a little guilty of snatching cookie dough before it hits the oven! The whole process, from creaming the butter and sugar to watching the cookies bake and turn golden, is such a joyful, shared experience.
During the holidays, we love making big batches of these cookies to share with neighbors, friends, and family. They make wonderful gifts when packed in a festive tin or a cute bag with a ribbon. Plus, chocolate chip cookies are universally loved, which makes them perfect for any holiday occasion. It’s the kind of treat that spreads happiness with each bite, especially when shared!
🎅 Secret Tip for Santa!
For an extra chewy cookie, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. It brings out the flavors and gives that perfect, soft texture!
The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie: Finding That Ideal Chewy Texture
We’re all about that chewy cookie life, and this recipe delivers! Achieving that soft center with lightly crispy edges is all about using the right balance of ingredients and baking just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. As the cookies cool on the baking sheet, they firm up a bit more, giving that perfect balance of textures.
One thing we love about these cookies is how adaptable they are. If you prefer a hint of nuttiness, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans. For a little holiday twist, a sprinkle of sea salt on top or a dash of cinnamon in the dough brings a festive flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips. No matter how you make them, these cookies are sure to disappear fast!
✨ Fun Fact
Did you know that chocolate chip cookies are one of the most popular cookies in the world? They’re the go-to comfort treat for people of all ages!
Leaving a Treat for Santa (and Maybe Sneaking a Few for Ourselves)
As the tradition goes, we always leave a plate of these cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve, along with a glass of almond milk. It’s a fun family tradition that brings a lot of joy, and it’s even more special when we bake the cookies together. There’s just something about the holiday season that makes these classic treats taste even better, and we like to think Santa appreciates a chewy, chocolatey cookie after a long night!
If you’re looking to start a new holiday baking tradition or just want a cozy recipe to enjoy with family, these chocolate chip cookies are a must. They’re easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So grab a cookie, share it with someone you love, and savor every chewy, chocolate-filled bite. Happy baking, and happy holidays from our kitchen to yours!
🎄 Storage Tip!
Keep leftover cookies (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. They’ll stay chewy and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1 cup 220g brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups 360g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups 340g chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts e.g., walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts if using.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly under-baked for that chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Notes
- For Extra Chewiness: Try refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps intensify the flavors and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Chocolate Variety: Mix up the chocolate chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Cookies
🤔 Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if it’s too firm to scoop.
🍪 Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight into the oven—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
🧂 Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is usually best because it allows you to control the salt in the recipe. But if you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the added salt by half.
🍫 Can I use other types of chocolate?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. You can also mix in chunks or chopped chocolate bars for a rustic, melty chocolate experience.
👨🍳 Why chill the dough?
Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies retain their shape and enhances the chewy texture. It also allows the flavors to meld, making for a richer, more delicious cookie!
🎄 How do I make them extra chewy?
For extra chewiness, make sure not to overbake. Take them out when the edges are golden, but the centers look slightly underdone—they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
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