Chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn't love a warm cookie with chocolate chips that melts in your mouth? This chocolate chip cookie recipe is not only simple but also quick and, most importantly, extremely delicious! The resulting cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for enjoying alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of aromatic coffee. We begin our culinary journey, which promises to bring a smile to the face of anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:
- 170 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 vanilla essence (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 240 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 7 g baking powder
- 65 g chocolate chips (choose dark, milk, or white chocolate chips according to preference)

Recipe Story:
The origins of chocolate chip cookies are deeply rooted in history. Over time, these delights have become a symbol of comfort and joy. There is nothing more comforting than the aroma of fresh cookies baking in the oven, filling the entire house. This type of cookie has evolved and adapted, with each homemaker adding their own personal touch. Today, we will learn how to make a classic recipe, but with a bit of love and creativity.

Preparation Technique:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. Soft butter will incorporate more easily with the powdered sugar, and the egg will help achieve a fine texture. It is important to use quality butter, as it will influence the final taste of the cookies.

2. Mixing the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to cream the butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and uniformly colored. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla essence. Continue mixing until the egg is fully incorporated into the mixture.

4. Combining the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, salt, and baking powder. This step is essential as it helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps from forming. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing constantly.

5. Including the chocolate chips: Finally, add the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough. It is important that the dough remains soft and sticky, so avoid adding too much flour.

6. Chilling the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the butter to firm up a bit, which will help the cookies retain their shape during baking.

7. Forming the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, form balls of dough and place them on the tray, leaving 5 cm between them, as the cookies will spread during baking.

8. Baking the cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cookies turn golden around the edges, but the center remains soft. It is essential not to leave them in the oven too long, as they will harden after cooling.

9. Cooling and serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. They can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but I assure you they won't last long in the face of appetite!

Useful Tips:
- Variations: You can add nuts, hazelnuts, or even dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor. Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for a unique taste.
- Serving: The cookies are delicious served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with warm chocolate sauce.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Why should I chill the dough? Chilling helps the cookies retain their shape and become less sticky. If they are too soft, the cookies will spread too much during baking.

Nutritional Benefits:
These chocolate chip cookies provide a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats, and chocolate adds antioxidants and can improve mood. However, it is important to consume in moderation, considering that each cookie contains approximately 150 calories.

Now that you know how to prepare these chocolate chip cookies, all that's left is to invite family and friends to share this delicacy! Each bite will bring simple yet profound joy. So, let’s put on our aprons and enjoy the magic of cooking together!