Grandma’s cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a legacy of love and tradition, perfected over time. These cookies are the epitome of soft, chewy goodness with just the right touch of chocolate in every bite. Follow these detailed steps for cookies that are worthy of the family recipe box!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
(Use unsalted butter for better flavor control. Allow it to soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.) - 1 cup granulated white sugar
(Gives structure and a slight crispness to the edges.) - 1 cup packed brown sugar
(Dark brown sugar is ideal for a deeper, molasses-like flavor, but light works too.) - 2 large eggs, room temperature
(Room temp eggs mix more smoothly and help the cookies rise evenly.) - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
(Go for the real stuff—imitation vanilla just doesn’t compare.)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
(Measure using the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacted flour, which can make cookies dense.) - 1 teaspoon baking soda
(Leavening agent to give cookies their signature rise.) - 2 teaspoons hot water
(For activating the baking soda.) - 1/2 teaspoon salt
(Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.)
Mix-Ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
(Customize with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. You can also chop chocolate bars for chunks.) - Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts
(Walnuts and pecans add a delightful crunch and flavor depth.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. These ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Pro Tip: Proper creaming incorporates air, giving the cookies their soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Activate the Baking Soda
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 teaspoons of hot water. This ensures the soda is evenly distributed, preventing bitter spots in the cookies. Stir this mixture into the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) with a spatula. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
- For thicker, chewier cookies, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Cold dough spreads less during baking.
Step 8: Scoop and Shape
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop evenly sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set.
Pro Tip: Slightly underbaking ensures the centers stay soft and chewy.
Step 10: Cool
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Grandma’s Secret Freezing Tip
For the ultimate flavor and texture, form the dough into balls and freeze overnight before baking. This allows the ingredients to meld and develop a richer taste. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Storage Tips
- Dough: Store dough balls in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Customizations for Every Cookie Lover
- Chocolate Lovers: Use a mix of semisweet, dark, and milk chocolate chips.
- Nutty Addition: Swap in macadamia nuts or almonds for a unique twist.
- Festive Flavors: Add dried cranberries and white chocolate chips during the holidays.
Why These Cookies Shine
- Perfect Texture: A balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.
- Rich Flavor: Brown sugar and vanilla extract provide depth and sweetness.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different mix-ins to suit any craving.
These cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a memory, a warm hug in edible form, and a recipe that your family will cherish for generations. Enjoy! 🍪 ❤️