Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter (7 tablespoons): Provides a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
• 80g sugar (6 tablespoons): Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a tender crumb.
• 1g salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness.
• 1 egg: Adds structure and moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 160g flour (1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour): The base of the dough, giving the cookies their structure.
• 3g baking powder (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a soft, tender texture.
• 100g chocolate + 20g (3.5 ounces + 0.7 ounces): The star of the cookies, providing rich, melty pockets of chocolate in every bite. Use a mix of chocolate chips or chunks for variety.
• 50g nuts (1/4 cup chopped nuts): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, tender cookie.
   • Add the salt, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift the flour and baking powder together to remove any lumps and ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate and Nuts:
   • Fold in the 100g of chocolate and the chopped nuts. Reserve the additional 20g of chocolate for topping the cookies before baking.
   • Mix just enough to evenly distribute the chocolate and nuts throughout the dough.
4. Shape the Cookies:
   • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
   • Gently press a few pieces of the reserved chocolate onto the top of each cookie for an extra chocolatey finish.
5. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQs:

1. How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

• The key to soft cookies is not overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set, and the centers still look slightly undercooked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

2. Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

• For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use butter. However, you can substitute with margarine if needed, but the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

• Yes! This dough freezes well. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use different types of chocolate?

• Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.

5. What if I don’t have baking powder?

• If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 2g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay soft longer.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cooking Tips:

• Chilling the Dough: For even better texture and flavor, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and intensifies the flavors.
• Measuring Flour: Be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry.
• Adding Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, different types of nuts, or even toffee bits.

Conclusion:

These soft chocolate chip cookies are a delicious treat that everyone will love. With a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk, shared with friends, or savored as an indulgent snack, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, making your home smell like a bakery and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.