Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Pans
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

3. Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed.

5. Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.

6. Fold in the Chocolate
Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed.

🌟 Pro Tip: For a Thicker, Chewier Cookie:
Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and deepens the flavor.

7. Scoop the Dough
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough (or use a medium cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading.

8. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers still look soft and slightly underdone.

9. Cool & Finish
Let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy the rich, buttery, and deeply satisfying taste of a truly perfect homemade cookie!