Indulge in the heavenly delight of Chocolate Chip Cookies. These delectable treats are a chocolate lover’s dream, featuring rich chocolate chips in every bite. The cookies are perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with melty chocolate goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Serving: 24 cookies
- Yield: Approx. 2 dozen cookies
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (384g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Hershey’s chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheets with the dough balls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chilled dough balls from the refrigerator and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
- If you prefer a thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough overnight before baking.
- To enhance the flavor, try using different varieties of Hershey’s chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts:
The Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its soft, chewy texture and irresistible chocolatey goodness, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Bake a batch, pour a glass of milk, and enjoy the blissful combination of Hershey’s chocolate and warm, freshly baked cookies.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use salted butter, but it’s recommended to reduce the added salt in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe by half to maintain the right balance of flavors.
Q2: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A2: While whole wheat flour can be used, the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies may have a denser texture and slightly different taste compared to using all-purpose flour.
Q3: Can I freeze the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the baked Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties of Hershey’s chocolate chips in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Q5: Can I add nuts to the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies?
A5: If you enjoy the added crunch and flavor of nuts, you can certainly add them to the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies. Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Include about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts when folding in the chocolate chips in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.
Q6: Can I make smaller or larger Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies?
A6: Yes, you can adjust the size of the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies to your preference. For smaller cookies, use a smaller portion of dough and reduce the baking time slightly. For larger cookies, use a larger portion of dough and increase the baking time accordingly.
Q7: Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A7: While you can experiment with sugar substitutes, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and taste of the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for substituting sugars and be aware that the results may vary.
Q8: Can I add a drizzle of melted Hershey’s chocolate on top of the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies?
A8: Absolutely! For an extra touch of chocolatey goodness, you can drizzle some melted Hershey’s chocolate on top of the cooled Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies. Simply melt the chocolate according to the package instructions and use a spoon or a piping bag to create the desired drizzle pattern.
Q9: Can I use a mix of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A9: Yes, you can use a combination of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe to achieve a balance of sweetness and richness. Feel free to experiment with different ratios based on your preference.
Q10: Can I refrigerate the dough for longer than 1 hour in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A10: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for longer periods, even overnight if desired, in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. This will allow the flavors to develop further and result in a slightly different texture.
Q11: Can I add a teaspoon of instant coffee for a hint of mocha flavor in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A11: Yes, adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie dough can infuse the cookies with a subtle mocha flavor. Dissolve the instant coffee in a teaspoon of hot water before adding it to the dough.
Q12: Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A12: While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine as a substitute in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. Keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different taste and texture compared to using butter.
Q13: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
A13: Yes, you can use dark brown sugar as a substitute in the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. It will add a deeper flavor and slightly darker color to the cookies.
Q14: Can I add a pinch of cinnamon to the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies for extra warmth?
A14: Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie dough can enhance the flavors and add a subtle warmth to the cookies. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.