You’re about to embark on a delightful journey of making easy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies. These classic treats combine a crispy edge with a soft, gooey center, making them an all-time favorite among cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will guide you through every step of the way. Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade cookie experience!
Why We Love This Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
What makes these easy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies a beloved choice? First, they offer the perfect balance between a crunchy exterior and a chewy, comforting interior. The rich, chocolaty morsels melt beautifully into the dough, creating an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite. They are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for any occasion—be it birthday parties, school events, or a cozy evening at home.
Another reason you’ll adore these cookies is their simplicity. With straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a batch without hassle. Plus, this recipe allows room for creativity; you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with extra goodies, these cookies will surely bring joy to your cookie jar!
Ingredients for Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Hershey’s chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Fold in the Hershey’s chocolate chips, ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your easy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies can enhance the experience even more. Present them on a decorative plate or in a glass jar for a charming display. You can offer them with a side of milk, which complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly. For a fun twist, try pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent cookie sandwich. Simply take two cookies, place a scoop of ice cream between them, and enjoy a delightful treat.
You can also get creative by serving the cookies warm right out of the oven. This gooey, melty chocolate experience will impress anyone who takes a bite. For gatherings or parties, consider adding a cookie bar where guests can customize their cookies with toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or drizzle some melted chocolate over each cookie. This communal approach makes for an engaging and delicious dessert station that everyone will love.
Expert Tips for Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make the best easy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies, consider these expert tips. First, ensure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create a smoother dough and better texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften butter in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
Measuring flour correctly is crucial. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level off the top with a knife. This prevents you from adding too much flour, which can result in dry cookies.
For a slight twist in flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. This brings out the sweetness without overpowering the classic chocolate flavor. You can also experiment with the type of chocolate chips; dark chocolate or semi-sweet options can provide a different taste profile that some may prefer.
Lastly, pay attention to baking time; check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.
How to Store Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing your cookies properly ensures that they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. This prevents moisture from building up, which can lead to sogginess.
Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store the container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a week. For longer storage, consider freezing your cookies. Use a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply take out the desired amount and allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Variations of Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
There are countless ways to enjoy easy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies! If you want a nutty version, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough along with the chocolate chips. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
For a fun twist, consider making stuffed cookies. You can fill the dough with a small piece of your favorite candy bar or a spoonful of nut butter. This can add a surprise element in every bite.
You might also experiment with other mix-ins, such as oats or shredded coconut, for a chewier texture. A fun option for holidays is to include seasonal sprinkles or colored chocolate chips. You can switch them out based on the occasion, making them a fun treat for all festivities.
If you are looking for a healthier spin, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute or a natural sweetener. Be mindful of adjustments as they may alter the final texture and flavor, but they can still yield delicious cookies.
FAQ about Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
You may still have questions about these easy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies. What makes them so chewy? The balance of butter and sugar along with the right baking time contributes to their chewy texture. It’s important not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up on the baking sheet.
Can I add more chocolate chips? Absolutely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips or even different types of chips, like white chocolate or butterscotch, for added flavors.
How do I know when the cookies are done? Look for the edges of the cookies to become golden brown while the centers look slightly underbaked. This indicates they are still soft and will firm up as they cool.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch. However, this may slightly change the taste and texture of the final product.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free? Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend you choose has a good balance of ingredients for best results.
With these insights, you’re fully equipped to make and enjoy delicious easy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies in your kitchen!
Easy Hershey's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature for best texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Hershey’s chocolate chips Feel free to substitute with other types of chocolate chips.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the Hershey’s chocolate chips.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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