Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spoon
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or baking mat
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack
• Oven mitts

Materials

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Safety

• Wash hands and clean surfaces before starting.
• Keep raw dough away from ready-to-eat foods.
• Use oven mitts when placing trays in or taking them out of the oven.
• Do not touch hot baking sheets directly.
• Let cookies cool for a few minutes before eating to avoid burns.

Steps

1. Step 1: Prepare the oven and pans

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
   • Set out all ingredients so they are ready to use.

   Check: Oven is fully preheated. · Baking sheet is lined and ready. · All ingredients are measured or easy to access.

2. Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   • Stir until the mixture looks even with no visible clumps of baking soda or salt.

   Check: Dry ingredients are evenly combined. · No large lumps remain in the flour mixture.

3. Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
   • Mix for about 2 to 3 minutes if using a mixer, or stir thoroughly by hand until well combined.

   Check: Mixture looks lighter in color and fluffy. · No large butter chunks remain.

4. Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

   • Beat in the eggs one at a time.
   • Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
   • Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

   Check: Eggs are fully mixed in with no streaks. · Vanilla is evenly incorporated. · Batter looks smooth.

5. Step 5: Combine wet and dry mixtures

   • Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually.
   • Mix just until a dough forms and no dry flour is visible.
   • Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon.

   Check: No pockets of dry flour remain. · Dough is thick and evenly mixed. · Chocolate chips are distributed throughout the dough.

6. Step 6: Portion the dough

   • Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
   • Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow spreading.
   • Bake in batches if needed instead of overcrowding the pan.

   Check: Cookies are spaced evenly. · Dough portions are roughly the same size. · Tray is not overcrowded.

7. Step 7: Bake the cookies

   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft.
   • Remove the tray carefully using oven mitts.

   Check: Edges are golden brown. · Centers are set but not overbaked. · Cookies smell fragrant and baked.

8. Step 8: Cool and serve

   • Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes.
   • Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
   • Repeat with remaining dough.

   Check: Cookies are firm enough to move. · They have cooled enough to handle safely. · Remaining dough is baked or stored properly.