These Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. They’re the perfect treat for any cookie lover, and they smell amazing while baking!
Whenever I make these cookies, the whole house gets filled with sweet scents, and I can’t resist sneaking a warm one right off the tray. Trust me, you’ll want the recipe on repeat! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness of your cookies. If you’re short on time, you can use margarine, but the flavor won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute!
Sugars: The blend of granulated and brown sugars gives these cookies a perfect texture. If you’re out of brown sugar, mix white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) for a similar effect. Coconut sugar is a great healthier alternative too!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to experiment! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips can all work. Chunks or a mix of different chips can add variety, too.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor, but if you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added texture.
How Do You Ensure Your Cookies Are Chewy and Soft?
The key to soft, chewy cookies lies in not overbaking them. Follow these tips:
- ***Creaming Butter and Sugar:*** Beat until light and fluffy, which incorporates air into the dough for a tender result.
- ***Don’t Overmix:*** Once you combine dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your cookies tender.
- ***Watch the Bake Time:*** Take them out when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft to ensure chewiness. They will firm up as they cool.
- ***Chill the Dough (Optional):*** Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance texture and flavor.
With these tips, your Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies will be perfect every time! Enjoy baking!
Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet for a total time investment of about 30 minutes—so tasty and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process adds air to the mixture, helping your cookies stay soft!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time. Mix until each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. This step ensures your cookie dough is smooth and rich.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage—you want the cookies to be tender!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
Now, stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart; they will spread as they bake!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be golden, while the centers should look set but still slightly soft.
9. Cool the Cookies:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before you move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy Your Cookies!
Once cooled, enjoy these delicious Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite drink! They’re perfect for sharing—or saving for yourself!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter, but the flavor may not be as rich. Make sure it’s softened to ensure proper mixing!
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a workable consistency. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help too!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag, where they’ll last for about 3 months!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate chips like dark, milk, or white chocolate. You can even use chunks for a fun texture!
