Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well blended.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing it until just combined—avoid overmixing!
6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Use a tablespoon to scoop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for precisely 7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Best ways to enjoy it

Once your cookies are cool, they’re perfect on their own or can be elevated with a few creative touches! Serve them alongside a tall glass of cold milk for that classic combination. Alternatively, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat or crumble them over a bowl of yogurt for a tasty breakfast twist.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To ensure your cookies stay soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can also freeze the cookie dough in scoop-sized balls. Just pop them into a zip-top bag and freeze. When a cookie craving strikes, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.

Tips for success

Here are a few handy tips to guarantee your cookie-making success:

• Make sure your butter is not too hot before adding it to the sugars; it should be warm but not bubbling.
• Don’t skip the resting period on the baking sheet; this allows them to set perfectly while maintaining that chewy center.
• Experiment with different kinds of chocolate chips—dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch for a fun twist.

Creative twists

Have some fun with this basic cookie recipe by adding your own creative touches. Consider blending in some nut butter for richness or tossing in a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor. You could also swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. The possibilities are endless!

Your questions answered

How long does the prep take for these cookies?

The prep time is minimal—around 10 minutes! Plus, with just a 7-minute bake time, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.

Can I substitute the butter with something else?

Yes! You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Just make sure it’s melted and measured correctly.

How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Storing them in an airtight container is key, and you can also add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

These 7-minute Chocolate Chip Cookies are bound to become a household favorite. What are you waiting for? Get to baking!