Thursday, 16 December 2021

Baking Bliss: Chocolate Chip Cookies for the Holiday - VLOGMAS DAY 16

It's cookie week! So day 16 of #VLOGMAS2021 starts with these delicious chewy and soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside chocolate chip cookies! Who does not love chocolate? I love how simple they are to make and you can freeze any left over dough to bake the next day or within the week. This is the perfect dessert to wait for Christmas morning or indulge any day you want! When the holiday season rolls around, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. In this blog post, we're diving into a classic favorite: Chocolate Chip Cookies. But not just any chocolate chip cookies – we're talking about the kind that will make your holidays even more special. These cookies are the epitome of homey goodness, and they're perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring all on your own. So, let's grab our aprons and get ready to bake up some deliciousness!


Why These Cookies are Great

What sets these chocolate chip cookies apart is the rich blend of flavors and textures. The balance of sweet white and brown sugars, the depth of vanilla essence, the slight tang of baking soda, and the savory notes of butter create a symphony of taste in every bite. Plus, those gooey, melty chocolate chips take these cookies to a whole new level of decadence.

Perfect Texture: With the right amount of baking soda and baking powder, these cookies achieve a lovely chewy center with just the right amount of crispiness around the edges.

Versatility: You can enjoy them warm from the oven, let them cool for a chewier texture, or even use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches.

Holiday Appeal: These cookies make a wonderful gift when packaged in a festive tin or wrapped with a bow. They also look great on your holiday dessert table.

INGREDIENTS 

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let's ensure you have all the ingredients on hand:

  • 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Butter or Margarine
  • 1 Cup White Sugar
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Essence
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Cups Chocolate Chips

Kitchen Equipment

To make these chocolate chip cookies, you'll need the following kitchen equipment:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop or spoon for portioning

Now that we've got our ingredients and equipment ready, it's time to bake these scrumptious cookies!

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it's nice and hot when you're ready to pop in your cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand with a wooden spoon. This step is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla essence. The vanilla adds a delightful aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Step 4: Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now, the best part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips. You can use any type you prefer, whether it's semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop those cookie-filled sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheets.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It's tempting, but try to resist diving in right away – the waiting is worth it!

How to Store Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftover cookies (a rare occurrence), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to savor the holiday joy for even longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they're well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

  • Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
  • Fruity Delight: Toss in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity surprise.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.
  • Healthier Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace some of the sugar with mashed bananas for a healthier version.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can. Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, but it may alter the flavor slightly. If you have a preference for margarine or need a dairy-free option, go for it!

Why are my cookies flat?

If your cookies turn out flat, it could be due to overmixing the dough or using warm, melted butter. Make sure to follow the mixing instructions and use softened but not melted butter.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Portion the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Perfect Pairings

These chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but if you're looking to elevate your dessert experience, here are some perfect pairings:

  • Milk: Classic chocolate chip cookies and cold milk are a match made in heaven. The creamy milk balances the sweetness of the cookies.
  • Coffee: For the adults, a cup of coffee complements the rich chocolate flavor wonderfully.
  • Ice Cream: Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.

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Maira Gall