If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies like we are, you’re going to love this extra easy recipe. These cookies are packed with chunks of rich chocolate and have a perfectly soft and chewy texture. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients.
The combination of brown sugar and butter in this recipe gives the cookies a fantastic caramel flavor, while the addition of a dollop of peanut butter adds a hint of nuttiness. The dough comes together quickly with just a few steps, and there are some handy tips and tricks to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can add different variations to the basic dough, such as nuts, dried fruit, or even candy bars. And if you like your cookies on the larger side, you can simply make the dough mounds bigger. The possibilities are endless!
One of the keys to making these cookies is chilling the dough before baking. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together and the dough to firm up. You can chill the dough for as little as 30 minutes in the fridge or even freeze it for later use. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the chilled dough mounds onto a lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven!
In the recipe below, we’ve included detailed instructions, a helpful video, and some FAQs to troubleshoot any issues you may run into. There’s also a list of ingredient substitutions, so you can customize the cookies to your liking. So go ahead and give these extra easy chocolate chip cookies a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Watch the Video
If you prefer visual instructions, we have a video to guide you through the process of making these delicious Extra Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Watch the video below to see all the steps:
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By watching the video, you’ll get a better understanding of how to make these irresistible cookies. You’ll see all the ingredients and instructions in action, making it easier for you to follow along and bake a batch in no time.
It’s important to note that the video showcases the recipe exactly as it’s written in the contents below. So if you prefer written instructions or want to save them for later, you can find all the details here:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Extra Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. The combination of butter, sugar, and chocolate chips creates a heavenly treat that’s hard to resist. And the best part is how easy they are to make!
Tips and Tricks:
- If you can’t find chocolate chips, you can chop a chocolate bar into small chunks to use instead.
- For a touch of variety, you can add other ingredients to the cookie dough, like nuts or dried fruit.
- If you like your cookies crispy, bake them for a little longer until they turn golden brown.
Still have some questions? Check out our FAQs section for more information on storage, freezing, and other commonly asked questions.
Tips and Tricks
When making these extra easy chocolate chip cookies, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Before incorporating the dry ingredients into the batter, it is important to whisk them together. This ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents any lumps or clumps in the cookie dough.
Variations in Chip Size
If you prefer cookies with more chocolate in each bite, try using chocolate chunks instead of chips. You can also mix in other types of chips, like peanut butter or butterscotch, for added flavor and texture.
Chilling the Dough
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, it is recommended to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This gives the butter a chance to solidify and helps the cookies retain their shape.
Using Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes for easier cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan. It also helps the cookies bake more evenly and gives them a nice golden color.
Checking for Doneness
When baking cookies, it can be hard to determine if they are done just by their appearance. To check if the cookies are ready, lightly touch the center of one cookie. If it feels soft and slightly undercooked, they’re done. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Freezing the Dough
If you want to enjoy fresh baked cookies on demand, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply form the dough into mounds or portioned balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your cookies are turning out cakey instead of chewy, try reducing the amount of flour or adding an extra tablespoon of butter. If the cookies are spreading too much, try increasing the flour or chilling the dough for a longer period of time. If the cookies are too dense or dry, try reducing the amount of flour or baking them for a few minutes less.
FAQs and Notes
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may change the texture and taste slightly.
Do I need to use both brown sugar and white sugar? Yes, using a combination of both sugars gives the cookies the perfect texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I make cookie bars with this recipe instead of individual cookies? Yes, you can spread the cookie dough in a lined baking pan and bake it as cookie bars. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Is there a video tutorial for this recipe? Yes, there is a video tutorial available on our website to guide you through each step of the process.
| Salted Butter | Vanilla Extract | Large Eggs | Chocolate Chips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 teaspoon | 2 | 1 ½ cups |
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
If you can’t resist the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect treat for you! They are incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Here’s a simple recipe that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweet crunch of chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
- Enjoy these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tips and Tricks:
- If you like your bars extra soft and chewy, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a few minutes.
- To make these bars even more decadent, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top of the batter before baking.
- If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, try swirled Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars! Add dollops of peanut butter on top of the batter and use a knife to create a marbled effect.
- If you’re making these bars during the hot summer months, you can also enjoy them chilled from the refrigerator or freezer.
FAQs:
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using it.
Q: How should I store these bars?
A: Once the bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
With its perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a special treat for your family. Enjoy!
Cookies in Three Easy Steps
When it comes to making cookies, the recipe doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the best cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love. If you’re looking for an easy cookie recipe that anyone can master, look no further than these Extra Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies. With just three easy steps, you can have delicious homemade cookies in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
To begin, gather your ingredients. You’ll need butter (salted or unsalted, depending on your preference), brown sugar, natural sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and natural sugar until well combined. Then, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake and Enjoy!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of cookie dough onto the prepared sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for them to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies may appear slightly undercooked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can’t wait to dig in, you can enjoy them warm with a glass of cold milk. If you have leftover dough, freeze it for up to three months and bake them off whenever you’re craving a fresh batch of cookies.
- Tips and Tricks: For an extra flavor boost, you can add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even rolled oats to the batter. Don’t forget to check out our video for a visual guide on how to make these cookies.
- Variations and Storage: If you prefer cookie bars over individual cookies, simply press the dough into a lined baking dish and bake for a few minutes longer. To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Can I use natural sweeteners? While the recipe calls for natural sugar, you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Can I use salted butter? Absolutely, just reduce the added salt in the recipe. Can I substitute the chocolate chips? Feel free to use any combination of chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped chocolate bars.
There you have it – a quick and easy recipe for delicious homemade cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Extra Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to be a hit. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get baking today!
Recipe Tips and Troubleshooting
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Adding too much flour can result in dry cookies.
- Wondering how to soften butter quickly? Remove the butter from the fridge and cut it into small chunks. Place the chunks on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on low power for 10-second intervals until the butter is soft to the touch.
- If your chocolate chips sink to the bottom of the cookies, try tossing them in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent them from sinking during baking.
- For extra crispy cookies, spread the dough mounds further apart on the baking sheet. This will allow for more air circulation, resulting in crispier edges.
- If you want to add a peanut butter flavor to your chocolate chip cookies, replace ¼ cup of the butter with creamy peanut butter. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a winner!
- Don’t have chocolate chips on hand? You can chop up a chocolate bar into chunks and use those instead.
- After baking the cookies, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to set and prevent them from falling apart.
- When freezing cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a sealed container or freezer bag. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to three months.
- Not sure if your baking soda is still good? Drop a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of vinegar. If it fizzes vigorously, your baking soda is still active and can be used in the recipe.
- If your cookies spread more than you’d like, try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
- For a fun twist, try adding other mix-ins to your chocolate chip cookies, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!
- Check out the video instructions here for a step-by-step guide on making these delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Make Ahead and Freezing The Cookies
If you loved the extra easy chocolate chip cookies recipe, then you’re going to want to try making chocolate chip cookie bars! They’re just as delicious and even easier to make.
Here’s how to make chocolate chip cookie bars:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter. Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar until well combined.
- Add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Next, fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips or chunks. You can also add other mix-ins like nuts or peanut butter chips for variations.
- Pour the cookie dough into the lined baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula or your hands. If desired, you can swirl in some additional chocolate or peanut butter on top.
- Bake the cookie bars for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The bars will continue to cook as they cool, so be sure not to over-bake them.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
If you want to make these bars ahead of time or have leftovers, they can easily be frozen for up to 3 months. Here’s how to freeze the cookie bars:
- Cut the bars into squares of your desired size.
- Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pop the baking sheet in the freezer and let the bars freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the bars to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label and date the container.
- To thaw the frozen bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature. You can also microwave them for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.
Now you can enjoy homemade chocolate chip cookie bars anytime you want!
Tips and Tricks
- If you’re making these bars for a special occasion, you can press extra chocolate chips or chunks into the top of the dough before baking to make them look even more delicious.
- For soft and chewy bars, bake them closer to 25 minutes. If you prefer your bars crispy, bake them closer to 30 minutes.
- Don’t hesitate to get creative with your mix-ins. Try using different types of chocolate, like white or dark chocolate, or even adding in some crushed candies for a fun twist.
FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- – Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
- Can I make these bars with peanut butter?
- – Absolutely! You can add a dollop of peanut butter to the cookie dough or swirl it in for a delicious combination.
- How long do the baked bars stay fresh?
- – If stored in an airtight container, the bars should stay fresh for up to a week.
Check out the video instructions for making these chocolate chip cookie bars to see all the steps in action:
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And don’t forget to take notes of any variations or troubleshooting tips that work for you!
FAQ
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe. The taste and texture of the cookies may be slightly different, but it will still result in delicious cookies.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for future use. Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for about an hour, then transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to these cookies. Simply mix in the chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips in step 4 of the recipe. You can use the same amount of nuts as the chocolate chips or adjust to your preference.
