Chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies – An Unforgettable Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30-40 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 20-24 cookies

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies? Chocolate chip cookies are not only a quick and simple dessert to prepare, but also a true delight for the senses. These cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with delicious chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth.

The history of these cookies is fascinating; they are said to have originated from the desire to combine simple, accessible ingredients with chocolate, an ingredient that quickly became a favorite worldwide. Each bite takes you on a journey of flavors, and today I will show you how to make them perfectly.

Ingredients:
- 150 g butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar (preferably white sugar, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 1 egg
- 100 ml liquid cream (use cream with at least 30% fat content for better texture)
- 300 g flour (white wheat flour is the most suitable)
- 5 g baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for a fluffy texture)
- 100 g chocolate (you can use dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for an enticing aroma)

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, which should be soft for easy incorporation. Chop the chocolate into small pieces so that they spread evenly in the cookies.

2. Creating the wet mixture: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer and mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and homogeneous, about 3-5 minutes. This is the stage where the sugar will dissolve into the butter, resulting in a finer final product.

3. Adding the egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the egg is fully incorporated. This will help stabilize the mixture and add moisture.

4. Incorporating the cream: Pour the liquid cream into the bowl and mix on low speed to avoid splashing. The cream will add a fluffy and moist texture to your cookies.

5. Preparing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps and to achieve a uniform dough.

6. Mixing the ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

7. Adding the chocolate: Finally, add the chocolate chunks and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to crush them. Imagine the moment you’ll bite into those delicious chocolate pieces!

8. Chilling the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the dough become firmer and allows the flavors to develop.

9. Preheating the oven: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.

10. Shaping the cookies: Once the dough has chilled, take a teaspoon of it and form small balls, placing them on the prepared tray. Leave about 5 cm of space between the balls to allow the cookies to expand while baking.

11. Baking: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center appears set. Don’t be fooled by their appearance; the cookies will continue to bake a little after you take them out of the oven.

12. Final cooling: Once the cookies are ready, let them cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions: These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. You can also pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, turning them into a perfect dessert for a relaxing afternoon.

Possible variations: If you want to add a touch of creativity to the recipe, you can add chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the dough. Also, experiment with different types of chocolate – white chocolate or even caramel chocolate can add an interesting note.

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: approximately 120 kcal
Fats: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Proteins: 2 g

These cookies are not only delicious but also a quick source of energy due to their carbohydrate and healthy fat content. Additionally, chocolate adds a boost of antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the final texture will vary.
2. Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, after they have completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. What should I do if the dough is too sticky? You can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can alter the texture of the cookies.

Enjoy the cooking process, sharing these cookies with loved ones, and creating sweet memories around the table. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or for a moment of indulgence, these chocolate chip cookies will surely be a hit!