5 Easy Chili Recipes That Will Never Get Old

Chef Leo -

Welcome back, food lovers! While the title of today's post might have you dreaming of hearty, warming chili, every great meal deserves an equally fantastic companion – or perhaps, a simply timeless treat that, like your favorite chili recipe, truly never gets old. Today, we're diving into a recipe that’s a pure classic: the humble, yet endlessly satisfying, chocolate chip cookie. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, a delightful dessert after a delicious chili lunch, or just because you deserve something sweet, these cookies are a hug in edible form. Get ready to bake a batch of pure joy that will disappear faster than you can say "extra chocolate chips!"

There's just something magical about a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, isn't there? It evokes nostalgia, comfort, and pure happiness. This recipe is designed to deliver that iconic chewy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-edges perfection, brimming with melty chocolate. It’s simple, straightforward, and yields consistently amazing results every single time. Let's get baking!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (the good quality kind!)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. Set aside.
  3. In a separate, larger bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and white sugar. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Into the butter and sugar mixture, add the vanilla extract, the large egg, and the extra egg yolk. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
  5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
  6. Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Using a rounded tablespoon (or a small cookie scoop), drop portions of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set up and prevents breakage.

Expert Tips

Don't Overmix the Dough!

Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the perfectly chewy ones we’re aiming for. A gentle hand is key here!

The Magic of Melted Butter and Brown Sugar

Using melted butter creates a chewier cookie, and a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar also contributes to that coveted chewiness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor thanks to the molasses in the brown sugar. Don't skimp on packing that brown sugar!

Slightly Undercook for Chewy Perfection

For the ultimate chewy cookie, take them out of the oven when the edges are set and golden brown, but the centers still look a tiny bit undercooked. They will continue to bake slightly from the residual heat on the baking sheet as they cool, leading to that perfect soft, chewy middle.

Storage Information

Store any leftover chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked feel!

And there you have it! A truly classic chocolate chip cookie recipe that delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and pure comfort. Whether you’re pairing them with a savory chili or enjoying them all on their own, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delightful addition to any day. Happy baking, and don't forget to share your creations with us!

These chili recipes make fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day—the flavors only get better!

And while you're planning your meals, why not make it a cozy weekend? Pair your easy chili dinner with an equally simple, from-scratch breakfast. Our go-to Fluffy Pancake Recipe comes together in minutes and is the perfect sweet counterpart to your savory night before.

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