Soft and Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Chill Dough (Optional): For extra soft and fluffy cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
8. Form Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just beginning to turn golden brown. The cookies may appear slightly underdone in the center, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your soft and fluffy chocolate chip cookies!

Tips to Making the Best Ever Soft and Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth and evenly textured dough.
2. Creaming Method: Creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a softer texture.
3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
4. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, softer cookies.
5. Baking Time: Bake the cookies until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden brown. They may appear slightly underdone in the center, but they will continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture.