Like a moth to a flame, like a mosquito drawn to your favorite black outfit, like the earth orbiting the sun, sometimes you simply must yield to forces beyond your control. One such force is the irresistible allure of the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Who among us can resist its siren call?
If there’s anything in a kitchen more enticing than a batch of chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven, I’ve yet to discover it. Loaded with dark chocolate chips (minimum 70% cocoa, though milk chocolate is an option if you prefer) and packed with crushed walnuts—or hazelnuts, almonds, or none at all—these cookies represent the pinnacle of kitchen achievement. And if a self-proclaimed chore-hater like me can whip up cookie dough in just 20 minutes, so can you.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz unsalted butter, slightly softened
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup soft brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed nuts of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside. Ensure the butter is slightly softened—either leave it out or soften in the microwave in short increments.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, white sugar, and soft brown sugar until light and fluffy. If you don’t have a mixer, a strong arm and a wooden spoon will do just fine. The mixture is forgiving, even if the butter is a bit melted.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the vegetable oil to the butter-sugar mixture. This combination with the brown sugar will impart a soft texture to your cookies, while the butter adds rich flavor. Mix well with the mixer or by hand if using a spoon.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. If using an electric mixer, use low speed to incorporate the eggs.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 6: Add Chocolate and Nuts
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and crushed nuts (if using) by hand. Be sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Form and Bake
Scoop out balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving ample space between each cookie as they will spread during baking. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or use an ice cream scoop.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on your preference for soft or crunchy cookies. The longer they bake, the crunchier they will be. Remove from the oven when the edges are golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container where they will keep well for up to a week.
This recipe yields between 20 and 30 delicious chocolate chip cookies, perfect for satisfying those inevitable cravings or impressing guests at any occasion. Enjoy the decadent goodness of homemade cookies with every bite!
