Irresistible Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies Recipe
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Nestled among my cherished collection of cookie recipes, the Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies have claimed the coveted number one spot for several years running, a testament to their delightful taste and consistent popularity. I’m unsure of the origins of this recipe, but it has certainly become a beloved staple in my baking repertoire. Just a few months ago, I prepared a platter for a friend hosting a luncheon at her workplace, and the cookies disappeared almost instantaneously, vanishing before the attendees could even finish their entrees. Guests were sneakily grabbing handfuls, pocketing them as if no one was observing; I must admit, it filled me with pride to see my cookies so eagerly enjoyed! A word to the wise: the recipe calls for four sticks of butter or margarine. Please resist the temptation to substitute with oil, shortening, or applesauce; doing so will alter the essence of these cookies dramatically. Personally, I often utilize a blend of half butter and half margarine without sacrificing quality, but the choice is yours. And for those looking to make a smaller batch, this recipe halves beautifully.
Recipe Category
Dessert
Keywords
Cookie & Brownie, Less than 60 Minutes, For Large Groups, Oven
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Margarine | 2 cups (2 sticks) |
| Powdered Sugar | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Vanilla | 2 teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3½ – 4 cups |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 12 ounces |
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 116.3 |
| Total Fat | 7.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 15.2 mg |
| Sodium | 69.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 6.6 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
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Prepare Cookie Sheets: Interestingly, there is no need to grease your cookie sheets for this recipe, as the high butter content will prevent sticking.
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Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter or margarine with the two cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, giving the cookies a delightful texture.
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Combine Additional Ingredients: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the salt, vanilla extract, and 3½ cups of flour. Mix thoroughly until blended. The dough should be fairly stiff, so if you find it too soft, gradually add more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Stir in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a perfect chocolatey bite in every cookie.
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Form the Cookies: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into balls about ¾ inches in diameter. Feel free to make them larger if you desire a more substantial cookie. Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
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Flatten the Cookies: Using a fork, create a criss-cross pattern by flattening each ball slightly. Press down gently, but ensure you don’t flatten them too much—aim for about halfway.
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Bake: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn a very light golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as the baking time may vary depending on your oven.
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Cooling and Dusting: Once baked, allow the cookies to sit on the cookie sheet for about a minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a sweet finishing touch, dust them lightly with additional powdered sugar while they are still warm. You can dust them again once they have cooled, or simply save this step for when you’re ready to serve them on a platter.
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Yield: This delightful recipe yields approximately 64 cookies, making it perfect for gatherings or simply for indulging at home. Plus, the ease of halving the recipe allows you to tailor the amount to your needs.
Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of these Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies, which are sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these cookies bring joy with every bite!
