Award-Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪🍫

Get ready to indulge in these soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies that are bound to become a favorite. With a perfect balance of sweetness and gooey chocolate, this recipe stands out for its rich flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress!

Imagine enjoying these cookies warm from the oven, paired with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or saving a batch for yourself! 🥛☕

Ingredients

For the cookie dough

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Sift dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugars: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

🧈 Softened butter helps create a creamier texture, so make sure it’s at room temperature for best results!

4. Add pudding mix: Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended, ensuring a rich flavor in every bite.

5. Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

6. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually blend in the flour mixture until just combined.

7. Add chocolate chips and nuts: Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if using.

8. Scoop the dough: Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets.

9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a golden brown.

⏰ Keep an eye on your cookies as baking times may vary. For softer cookies, they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

Tips & Tricks

• Chill the dough: For extra thick cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape better.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several days!

• Freezing: You can freeze cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time!

Variations

• Nut-free: Omit the walnuts for a classic chocolate chip cookie that's nut-free.

• Double chocolate: Substitute half of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.

• Oatmeal chocolate chip: Add 1 to 2 cups of oats for a chewy twist.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for an alternative cookie that everyone can enjoy!

Enjoy these delightful cookies, and happy baking! 🍪❤️