Neighbor Judy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

I first tried Neighbor Judy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies when she brought them over during one of our neighborhood get-togethers. The moment I bit into one, I was hooked. The cookies had the perfect balance of softness and a slight crisp on the edges, and the rich, buttery flavor combined with the semi-sweet chocolate chips made them utterly irresistible. Everyone at the gathering loved them, and when I asked for the recipe, Judy was kind enough to share. Since then, they’ve become a regular in my baking routine, and my family looks forward to them every time. If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss chocolate chip cookie recipe that delivers great results, Neighbor Judy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 bag (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Add the chocolate chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the cookies: Drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can make the cookies bigger or smaller depending on your preference.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes, or until the tops are just starting to turn golden brown.
8. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes to finish cooking. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts:

• Servings: 24 cookies (1 cookie per serving)
• Calories per serving: 180-200 calories
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time:

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 8-9 minutes

How to Serve:

• With a glass of milk: There’s nothing better than pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• As a dessert: Serve them as a dessert at family dinners, parties, or gatherings to impress your guests.
• In a cookie jar: These cookies are perfect for keeping in a cookie jar to enjoy throughout the week. They’ll stay soft and delicious for days.
• With coffee or tea: Enjoy a few cookies with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea for a satisfying break.

Additional Tips:

1. Don’t overmix the dough: Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
2. Chill the dough: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and can prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
3. Check for doneness: Since oven temperatures vary, make sure to check your cookies around the 8-minute mark. You want them to be golden on top, but still soft in the middle.
4. Customize the mix-ins: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even toffee bits for extra flavor and texture.
5. Use room temperature butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it creams properly with the sugar, giving you that light and fluffy texture.

Recipe Variations:

• Gluten-free version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum to provide the necessary texture.
• Vegan version: Use a plant-based butter substitute and egg replacer like flax eggs or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) in place of the eggs.
• Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious twist on the classic cookie.
• Double chocolate chip: Replace 1/2 cup of the flour with cocoa powder and use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a double chocolate treat.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a gift: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or gift box to give as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family.
• With ice cream: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two of these warm cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich.
• On a dessert platter: Serve these cookies alongside other baked goods, like brownies, blondies, or mini cheesecakes, for a variety of sweet treats.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storing cookies: Keep the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
• Freezing dough: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Freezing baked cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies. Store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

FAQ:

1. Can I use unsalted butter?
   Yes, unsalted butter can be used, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to the dough to maintain the balance of flavors.
2. How can I make the cookies softer?
   Make sure not to overbake the cookies. Take them out of the oven as soon as they begin to brown on top, even if they seem a little soft in the center.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
   Yes, you can use dark brown sugar, but it will give the cookies a slightly richer flavor and darker color.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies.
5. Why are my cookies flat?
   If the cookies spread too much, you may need to chill the dough for a bit before baking or ensure the butter is softened properly.
6. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
   Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
7. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for later use.
8. How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?
   Watch the cookies closely, and remove them from the oven when the tops are just golden. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
9. What is the best way to store these cookies?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft.
10. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
    Yes, you can stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

Neighbor Judy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, buttery dough and rich chocolate chips, offering an irresistible texture that’s crisp around the edges and chewy in the middle. This easy-to-make recipe has become a family favorite and is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a special treat or just craving something sweet. Simple yet delicious, these cookies will bring joy to your home, just as they have to mine.

Print