Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark/milk chocolate, depending on preference)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling on top before baking)
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: Cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Chilling the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling enhances flavor and prevents spreading during baking.
- Shaping and Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top if desired. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Storing and Freezing: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Notes
- For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- To reduce sugar content, use monk fruit sweetener or decrease granulated sugar slightly.
- Vegan alternative: Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes (like flax eggs), and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months; reheat briefly in the oven to refresh texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg