These Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves! With gooey chocolate chips and a soft, chewy texture, they’re hard to resist.
Making these cookies is super fun! I always find a reason to bake them because my friends can’t get enough. Plus, the smell that fills the house while they bake is heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or coconut oil can work too, though they may alter the texture slightly.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: Both sugars are important for flavor and texture. If you want a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly or use coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can mix it up with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. For a fun twist, try adding white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but if you’re avoiding gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be a great substitute!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Like a Pro?
Creaming the butter and sugars together perfectly sets the stage for great texture. It’s about incorporating air, which makes the cookies light and fluffy. Here’s how:
- Start with softened butter (leave it out for 30-60 minutes to reach room temperature).
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy—around 3-5 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything’s well mixed.
Be patient; the more air you incorporate, the better your cookies will turn out!
Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (350g) semisweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and about 8-10 minutes to bake the cookies. After baking, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. In total, you can have delicious homemade cookies in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step to ensure your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. Creaming the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the better your cookies will be!
3. Adding the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and stir until everything is well combined. The batter should look creamy and glossy.
4. Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Slowly add this dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. This is where the cookies get their delicious chocolaty goodness!
6. Dropping the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
7. Baking the Cookies
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be golden brown, while the centers should still look a little soft—this will give you that perfect chewy texture.
8. Cooling Down
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps the cookies finish setting and keeps them from becoming soggy.
9. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to indulge! Enjoy your delicious Bill’s Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of ice-cold milk or your favorite drink. Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—the choice is yours!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor and texture slightly. Make sure to choose a stick margarine for best results, as tub margarine contains more water and can lead to a flatter cookie.
How Do I Keep My Cookies Soft and Chewy?
For soft and chewy cookies, be careful not to overbake them! Remove them from the oven while the centers still look slightly undercooked. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can also freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts to the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just stir in about 1 cup of chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips for extra texture.
