Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baked GoodsRecipes

May 15

My family and I love soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies, but I never could get them quite right. A friend of mine always made cookies that I loved, so I asked her for her secret. It was so simple; she used a classic recipe but always used baking powder instead of baking soda. Basically baking powder is baking soda with cream of tartar added. Cream of tartar helps make for a softer cookie, which is why it is called for in some cookie recipes such as snickerdoodles.

The other variation I have found that I really like in my cookies is using salted butter. I like the flavor that it gives the cookies. But, that is more of a personal preference.

This is a really easy recipe to follow and make. It is my go to for when I need to take something to a party or gathering, or just whenever my family asks for cookies. (And of course we always leave a plate of these for Santa- we're pretty sure Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of his favorite too!) I've included some step by step pictures to help you along and the full recipe is included at the bottom of the post and is printer ready!

Cream the butter and sugar first...

Start by combining your softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixer. To get the right consistency make sure your butter is very soft but not melted. Also make sure when you measure your brown sugar pack it into the measuring cup before leveling it off.

Mix the dry ingredients together...

In a separate bowl combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Be sure to mix the powder and salt thoroughly into the flour. I use a fork or a whisk to combine it easily. Set aside until ready to use.

Add the eggs...

Next, add eggs into the mixing bowl with the butter mixture. Add eggs one at a time and beat well to make sure they are thoroughly combined into the dough. If you aren't great at cracking eggs just crack them into a separate bowl first; then if you get any shell in you can easily find it before you add them to the dough mixture.

Add the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture...

Now you will combine your wet and dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture about 1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time. Mix just long enough to allow it to combine. Scrap the sides every once in a while to make sure all of the flour mixture is being incorporated.

Time for the most important ingredient...

The last ingredient you need to add is the chocolate chips! I think 1-1/2 to 2 cups is plenty and you could even do a little less if you wanted, but that is all personal preference.

Get scooping...

Now it's time to scoop your dough onto cookie sheets. I LOVE lining my cookie sheets with parchment paper, it makes the baking and clean up such a breeze. But, if you don't have any then an ungreased cookie sheet is perfectly fine! I also love using a cookie scoop to measure and place the dough on the cookie sheets. It makes a nice size cookie and they come out uniform and round. Again if you do not have a cookie scoop a regular household spoon works great for scooping cookies.

Let them bake...

Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 to 10 minutes. Instead of really watching time I keep an eye on the cookies. As soon as they look barely baked on top (no longer wet dough) and are brown on the edges I take them out of the oven. I move them to a cooling rack right away so they stop baking.

Time to eat...

Enjoy them warm, cool, with milk, or even with some ice cream in between two chocolate chip cookies for an ice cream sandwich! Don't forget a plate for Santa on Christmas Eve!