- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Form Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite chocolate chips—whether semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate—to suit your taste preference.
- Cookie Texture: For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. For crispier cookies, bake them a bit longer until golden brown.
Variations to Try:
- Vanilla Bean: For an intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod into the dough.
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Conclusion:
These Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet vanilla and rich chocolate, creating a classic cookie that’s sure to please everyone. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these cookies will be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious homemade cookies!