The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: A Timeless Favorite
Chocolate chip cookies have been tantalizing taste buds since their creation in the 1930s. Originating in the United States, these iconic treats have won over hearts and stomachs worldwide. With their perfect combination of sweet and crunchy, it’s no wonder chocolate chip cookies have become a staple in our baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe and its rich history, while also sharing some fun cultural facts and curiosities.
Ingredients
To make the best chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create delicious and memorable chocolate chip cookies:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and light-brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
History and Cultural Curiosities
The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 at her restaurant, the Toll House Inn, in Whitman, Massachusetts. Ruth decided to chop up a block of Nestlé chocolate and mix it into her cookie dough, creating the very first batch of what would become a global phenomenon.
The popularity of the chocolate chip cookie catapulted when Nestlé began printing Ruth’s recipe on the back of their chocolate bars. In exchange for their use of her recipe, Ruth received a lifetime supply of Nestlé chocolate bars which worked greatly in her favor.
In 1997, the chocolate chip cookie was declared the official cookie of the state of Massachusetts, solidifying its status as a beloved American classic. Today, cookies can be found in various flavors and textures, tailored to the unique tastes of each individual. However, the original chocolate chip cookie recipe remains a timeless favorite that is baked and enjoyed by generations worldwide.
