Name: Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 15
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup white granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 dash vanilla; 2 cups self-rising flour; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup chocolate; flaky sea salt

Handcrafted with love, these chocolate chip cookies are more than just a sweet indulgence. Their delicate balance of flavours and textures make them a delight to the senses. They're perfect for a quick snack, a dessert after a sumptuous meal, or even as a thoughtful gift. The best part? This recipe is easy to follow, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some time in the oven.

Photos of Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

For this recipe, we need self-rising flour along with other common ingredients. Self-rising flour, a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, is not something we usually have in our kitchen. However, it is easily available in the baking aisle of any supermarket. Also, remember to get unsalted butter. Butter is usually salted unless specified otherwise, and we don't want extra salt in our cookies!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

Unsalted butter: The base for our cookies, giving them a rich, buttery flavor.

White granulated sugar: To sweeten the cookies.

Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.

Large egg: Binds the ingredients together.

Vanilla: Adds a layer of flavor to the cookies.

Self-rising flour: Helps the cookies to rise and provides structure.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Chocolate: The star ingredient, adding sweet, creamy flavor.

Flaky sea salt: For sprinkling on top of the cookies before baking for a hint of saltiness.

One reader, Jeana Glaser says:

This quick and easy chocolate chip cookies recipe is a game-changer! The cookies turn out perfectly chewy and delicious every time. The recipe is simple to follow, and the cookies are a hit with everyone. I love how effortlessly I can whip up a batch of these delightful treats.

Jeana Glaser

Techniques Required for Making Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to cream the butter and sugars: Creaming the butter and sugars involves beating them together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for the cookies.

How to fold in the flour and salt: When folding in the flour and salt, gently incorporate them into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

How to rest the dough in the fridge: Resting the dough in the fridge allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, resulting in a better texture and flavor for the cookies.

How to preheat the oven: Preheating the oven to 375°F ensures that it reaches the correct temperature for baking the cookies.

How to scoop the dough into balls: Use a tablespoon to scoop the cookie dough into evenly sized balls, ensuring they are uniform for even baking.

How to bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 7 minutes for a chewy texture or 10 minutes for a crispy texture, ensuring they are golden brown around the edges.

How to let the cookies cool: Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack ensures that they set properly and develop the perfect texture.

How to serve the cookies: Serve the cookies once they have cooled, or enjoy them warm with a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.

How To Make Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupunsalted butter,at room temperature
½cupwhite granulated sugar
½cupbrown sugar
1large egg
1dash vanilla
2cupsself-rising flour
½tspsalt
1cupchocolate,good quality
flaky sea salt,optional

Instructions

Cream the butter, dark brown sugar and white sugar in a bowl. Once pale and fluffy, crack the egg in and add vanilla if desired. Sift in your self-raising flour and salt.
Fold in the flour and salt just until you can’t see any streaks. Then, fold in chocolate.
Cover the bowl with Saran wrap and rest in the fridge for at least an hour or up to 2 days at most. (If freezing dough, dough can be frozen for upto 2 months).
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place onto a baking tray with 2-inch spaces in between the cookies..
Bake for 7 minutes for a chewy cookie, or 10 minutes for a crispy cookie.
Let cool and serve, or enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 217.65kcal
Fat: 10.08g
Saturated Fat: 6.06g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.88g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.47g
Carbohydrates: 31.18g
Fiber: 1.13g
Sugar: 17.69g
Protein: 2.62g
Cholesterol: 28.67mg
Sodium: 207.09mg
Calcium: 67.79mg
Potassium: 75.79mg
Iron: 1.24mg
Vitamin A: 57.09µg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

When creaming the butter and sugars together, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This will ensure that the butter and sugars blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture in your cookies. Additionally, when folding in the flour and chocolate, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Instead, gently fold until just combined for a tender, chewy cookie.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chill the dough: Chilling the dough in the fridge for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in a better texture for the cookies.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size, promoting even baking and a uniform appearance.

Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measuring all the ingredients before starting the recipe saves time and prevents any last-minute scrambling for items.

Use parchment paper: Lining the baking tray with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking, saving time on washing up.

Bake in batches: If your oven is small, bake the cookies in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven results.

Substitute Ingredients For Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
white granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to white sugar, and it adds a caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a liquid sweetener instead of brown sugar, and it adds a rich, sweet flavor to the cookies.
large egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs, and it adds moisture to the cookies.
self-rising flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour + baking powder: If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder.
chocolate - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips can be used as a caffeine-free alternative to chocolate, and they have a naturally sweet flavor.
flaky sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for flaky sea salt to add a touch of saltiness to the cookies.

Best Way to Present Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Elevate the cookie: Place the cookie on a pristine white plate, ensuring it is the focal point of the presentation.
Garnish with chocolate shavings: Sprinkle delicate chocolate shavings around the cookie to add a touch of elegance and visual appeal.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Place a small, carefully piped dollop of whipped cream on the side of the cookie for a luxurious touch.
Drizzle with caramel sauce: Artfully drizzle a thin stream of rich caramel sauce around the cookie, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Serve on a bed of edible flowers: Place the cookie on a bed of vibrant, edible flowers to create a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Dust with edible gold flakes: For an opulent touch, delicately dust the cookie with edible gold flakes, adding a touch of luxury to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in both liquid and dry forms.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Cooling rack: A metal rack used to cool baked goods, allowing air to circulate around the food for even cooling.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting foods by surrounding them with dry heat.
Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods during cooking and baking.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line baking sheets and pans, preventing food from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Cookie scoop: A utensil designed to portion out cookie dough, ensuring evenly sized cookies for baking.
Silicone baking mat: A non-stick mat used for baking, providing a reusable and easy-to-clean surface for cookies and other baked goods.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Frozen dough can be stored for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake frozen cookie dough, preheat the oven to 375°F and place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
To thaw frozen baked cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or until they reach your desired temperature.

How To Reheat Leftover Chocolate Chip Cookies

The best way to reheat leftover chocolate chip cookies is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked ones.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or even rubbery. If the cookies are not warm enough after the first interval, continue heating them in 5-second increments until they reach the desired temperature.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy. This method is particularly useful if you only need to reheat a small batch of cookies.
If you want to add a touch of extra flavor and moisture to your leftover cookies, try wrapping them in a damp paper towel before microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. The steam from the paper towel will help soften the cookies and make them taste more fresh.
For a unique twist, you can also crumble the leftover cookies and use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pudding. The combination of the warm, slightly crispy cookie crumbs and the cool, creamy base creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Interesting Fact About Chocolate Chip Cookies

The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s. She added pieces of a Nestle chocolate bar into her cookie dough, expecting it to melt and create chocolate cookies. Instead, the chocolate pieces retained their shape, and the chocolate chip cookie was born. This accidental creation became a classic American treat and is now enjoyed worldwide.

Is Making Chocolate Chip Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

The chocolate chip cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a decent batch of cookies. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10, making it an affordable treat. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10, considering the simplicity, taste, and cost-effectiveness.

Are Chocolate Chip Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This chocolate chip cookie recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its unhealthy nature are:

High amounts of butter and sugar, which are sources of saturated fat and empty calories
Refined white flour (self-rising flour) that lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
Chocolate, which contains added sugar and fat

However, this recipe does have some redeeming qualities, such as the use of brown sugar, which contains a small amount of minerals, and the addition of vanilla for flavor without extra calories.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace half of the butter with a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or coconut oil
Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 to 1/3 cup, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Swap out half of the self-rising flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
Choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage (70% or above) to reduce sugar and increase antioxidants
Add in healthy mix-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra nutrition and texture
Reduce the portion size of each cookie to help control calorie intake

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic treat while still enjoying the satisfying taste and texture of a chocolate chip cookie.

Editor's Opinion on This Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

The quick and easy chocolate chip cookies recipe is a classic and foolproof way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of brown and white sugar creates a perfect balance of sweetness, while the addition of flaky sea salt adds a delightful contrast. The chilling of the dough allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a rich and decadent cookie. Whether you prefer a chewy or crispy texture, this recipe offers versatility to cater to your personal preference. Overall, this recipe is a delightful treat that is sure to impress and satisfy any cookie lover.

Enhance Your Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the cookies with a side of colorful and flavorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. The sweetness of the vegetables will complement the richness of the chocolate chip cookies.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: For a savory and protein-packed side, consider serving grilled chicken skewers alongside the chocolate chip cookies. The smoky flavor of the chicken will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing and light option to pair with the chocolate chip cookies is a vibrant fruit salad. The juicy and sweet fruits will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and decadent cookies.

Similar Cookie Recipes to Try

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and savory broth, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal. Packed with a variety of fresh fruits and a light citrus dressing, it's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting your daily dose of vitamins.

Creamy Tomato Soup: This creamy tomato soup is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream, it's a simple yet satisfying soup that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a delightful bite.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, indulgent, and satisfying, this classic Italian dish features tender chicken and al dente pasta smothered in a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. The combination of savory chicken and creamy sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Beef Stir Fry: A quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, beef stir fry is a delicious combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. The tender beef is seared to perfection, while the vegetables retain their vibrant colors and crisp textures. The sauce brings all the elements together, creating a mouthwatering dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why trust this Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe:

This recipe guarantees delicious results, as it has been carefully crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for creating mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies. Each ingredient has been meticulously selected to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of unsalted butter and a dash of vanilla promises a rich and indulgent taste, while the addition of flaky sea salt elevates the overall flavor profile. The inclusion of high-quality chocolate ensures a decadent and satisfying experience. Trust in this recipe to deliver irresistible cookies that will leave everyone craving for more.

Want to share your experience making these quick and easy chocolate chip cookies or have any tips to improve the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum and let's talk about this delicious treat!

FAQ:

How long should I refrigerate the cookie dough?

It's best to refrigerate the cookie dough for at least an hour, but you can leave it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze the dough, it can be stored for up to 2 months.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate, whether it's milk, dark, or white chocolate. You can also mix different types for a unique flavor.

How do I store the baked cookies?

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for several days, if they last that long!

Can I make the dough in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.