Description
Neighbor Judy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic American family recipe featuring soft, chewy cookies loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional nuts. These homemade cookies balance sweetness and texture perfectly, baked to golden perfection with a slightly crisp edge and soft center.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and prevent them from breaking.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the pan to finish setting.
- Dough can be refrigerated for deeper flavor and thicker cookies; chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
