Best Basic Chocolate Chip Cookies

By: Rosemary Mark


  • Yield: 3 dozen (3-inch) cookies
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Dessert


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2-3/4 cups (12.5 oz.) all-purpose flour, (lightly spooned into level measuring cups)
  • 1 package (12 oz./2 cups) chocolate chips, or 8 ounces coarsely chopped chocolate
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Beat butter and sugars with electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes until mixture is very fluffy and turns several shades lighter in color.
  3. Beat in eggs, vanilla and baking soda for 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl.
  4. Mix in flour just until blended. Stir in chocolate and nuts if using.
  5. Drop dough by 2 tablespoonful scoops onto baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute on pan then transfer with a spatula to a rack to cool completely.