Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups of flour
3 TBSP of cornstarch
1/2 TSP salt
1/2 TSP baking soda
1 cold stick of butter (1/2 cup)
6 TBSP of granulated sugar
6 TBSP brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 TSP of vanilla extract
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. About 10-11 oz (or 1/2 a bag if you want less chocolate)
1/4 cup of walnut pieces (optional)
Methods:
Preheat oven to 475°
Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking
In the smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, salt, and baking soda
Cut stick of butter into smaller pieces (as seen in the video)
In the larger mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract
Gently stir the dry ingredients (flour, corn starch, salt, etc.) into the larger bowl with the butter/egg/sugar mixture (as seen in the video)
Add in chocolate chips and optional walnuts. Mix gently until fully combined
Using a full size spoon (tablespoon), make cookie dough balls and place them on the baking sheet
Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the tops of the cookies get golden/brown (keep you eye on them:)
Remove from the oven and let them cool (they’ll continue to cook on the inside while they cool)
For the softest cookies, eat them when they are warm, not totally cooled
History of Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Chocolate Chip Cookie is a beloved American dessert with a history that dates back to the late 1930s. Its invention was a fortunate accident, and the story of its creation has since become the stuff of culinary legend.
The Accidental Creation: 1938
The origin of the chocolate chip cookie is credited to Ruth Graves Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. Ruth, a trained dietitian and home economics teacher, ran the inn with her husband. The inn was well known for its excellent home-cooked meals and desserts, and Ruth frequently experimented with new recipes.
The most popular story about how the cookie came to be suggests that one day, while baking a batch of her signature butter cookies, Ruth ran out of baker’s chocolate. In a pinch, she decided to chop up a bar of Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate and mix it into the dough, hoping it would melt and blend throughout the cookies like baker’s chocolate would. However, instead of melting, the small pieces of chocolate held their shape, softening slightly but remaining intact. Thus, the chocolate chip cookie was born.
Toll House Cookie Becomes Famous
Ruth’s new cookie quickly gained popularity at the inn, and it wasn’t long before word of the delicious Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie spread far and wide. By the early 1940s, the recipe had been printed in newspapers across New England, and the cookie became a national sensation.
As the popularity of the cookie grew, Ruth struck a deal with Nestlé. In exchange for providing Nestlé the right to print her cookie recipe on the packaging of their chocolate bars, Ruth received a lifetime supply of chocolate—a sweet deal indeed! Nestlé also began selling pre-scored semi-sweet chocolate bars, and eventually, they introduced chocolate chips, specifically designed for baking.
The Recipe on Every Bag
The chocolate chip cookie recipe is still printed on bags of Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chips today, making it one of the most famous and widely baked recipes in the United States.
Evolution of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
Since its invention, the chocolate chip cookie has evolved and become a canvas for bakers’ creativity. Over the years, variations of the cookie have emerged, with people experimenting with different kinds of chocolate (dark, white, milk), adding nuts, or creating giant cookies, mini cookies, or even stuffed cookies. The cookie can be chewy, crispy, cakey, or somewhere in between, depending on the baker’s preferences and technique.
Global Popularity
The chocolate chip cookie quickly transcended its American roots and became a global phenomenon. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation have made it a favorite in homes and bakeries worldwide. The cookie is so iconic that August 4th has been declared National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day in the United States, a day to celebrate this delightful treat.
Cultural Impact
Over the decades, the chocolate chip cookie has become a symbol of home, comfort, and nostalgia. It is one of the first things many people learn to bake, often with family members, making it a treat tied to fond memories and traditions. From bake sales to cookie jars, the chocolate chip cookie holds a special place in American culture and continues to be a favorite dessert for millions around the world.
From a happy accident in the Toll House Inn kitchen to a worldwide favorite, the chocolate chip cookie has a rich history full of sweetness, innovation, and comfort. Its legacy as an iconic and beloved dessert is cemented in kitchens everywhere, making it a timeless classic.
Nutritional Information for Chocolate Chip Cookies
The nutritional content of Chocolate Chip Cookies will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size. Below is an estimated breakdown for one standard-sized cookie (around 1 oz or 28 grams):
Estimated Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 16-18g
- Sugars: 10-12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 80-120mg
- Potassium: 30-50mg
- Calcium: 1-2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 3-5% of the DV
Breakdown of Key Nutrients:
- Calories
- The calories come from a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and chocolate chips, contributing to the energy content of the cookie.
- Protein
- Each cookie has a small amount of protein, primarily from the egg and butter. Adding nuts (like walnuts) can slightly increase the protein content.
- Carbohydrates
- The sugar and flour in the cookies provide carbohydrates. While the sugar offers quick energy, the flour contains complex carbs that provide more sustained energy.
- Fat
- Butter and chocolate chips contribute to the fat content of the cookies. While these fats provide flavor and texture, it’s important to consume them in moderation. Saturated fat comes mainly from butter and chocolate, so limiting portion sizes is key to balancing a healthy diet.
- Sugars
- The sugars come from both the granulated sugar and the chocolate chips. They offer sweetness but can also contribute to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, so it’s important to balance with other nutrient-rich foods.
- Fiber
- Chocolate chip cookies aren’t typically a great source of fiber, but adding nuts or using whole wheat flour instead of regular flour can increase the fiber content.
- Sodium
- Sodium levels can vary based on how much salt is used. Some recipes may also include salted butter, which can contribute to the overall sodium content.
- Micronutrients
- While the cookies aren’t rich in vitamins and minerals, they do provide small amounts of iron (from chocolate chips) and calcium (from the butter and egg). You can also increase the nutrient density by adding nuts or whole grains.
How to Modify for Healthier Nutrition:
- Lower Calories: Reduce the sugar and butter slightly or opt for smaller cookie sizes to reduce the overall calorie content.
- Increase Fiber: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. You could also add a handful of oats to the batter.
- Lower Fat: Use a combination of butter and applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content without sacrificing moisture.
- Reduce Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar or opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (note: this will affect the texture of the cookie).
- Add Nutrients: Include nuts or seeds to increase healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Final Thought: While chocolate chip cookies are a sweet treat, they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Keeping portions reasonable and incorporating some healthy modifications can make them a more nutritious snack
Benefits of Chocolate Chip Cookies
While Chocolate Chip Cookies are undeniably a sweet treat, they do have some benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
1. Mood Booster
- The sugar in cookies can trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. This makes chocolate chip cookies a delightful pick-me-up when you’re feeling down.
2. Energy Boost
- With a balance of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, these cookies provide a quick source of energy. This makes them an ideal snack when you need a burst of energy during the day.
3. Rich in Antioxidants
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips contain antioxidants like flavonoids, which are beneficial for heart health. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and can reduce inflammation.
4. Source of Essential Minerals
- Chocolate chips also contain small amounts of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for bodily functions like oxygen transport, muscle function, and immune support.
5. Customization with Nuts
- Adding walnuts (or other nuts) to your cookies introduces healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health, and their fiber content can promote digestive health.
6. Creative and Bonding Activity
- Baking cookies can be a fun and creative activity for people of all ages. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.
7. Portion Control
- Cookies are an easy snack to portion out. Enjoying one or two cookies as a treat can satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging, as long as you maintain moderation.
8. Comfort Food
- There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm chocolate chip cookie. It’s a nostalgic treat for many people and can evoke feelings of coziness and warmth, which can contribute to emotional well-being.
While chocolate chip cookies may not be a health food, they can bring joy and provide some nutritional benefits when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Just remember to savor them in moderation
Got it! Here’s a fun take on chocolate chip cookie lovers:
For Chocolate Chip Cookie Lovers
1. The Ultimate Comfort Food
- There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house. It brings back memories of childhood and cozy moments.
2. Perfect for Sharing
- Baking a batch is a great way to spread joy. Whether it’s with family, friends, or neighbors, cookies are the perfect treat to share and bring people together.
3. Customizable Treats
- One of the best things about chocolate chip cookies is how versatile they are. Add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor.
4. The Perfect Snack
- A couple of cookies can be the ideal midday pick-me-up, providing just the right amount of sweetness and energy to power through the day.
5. Classic and Timeless
- Chocolate chip cookies never go out of style. Whether it’s a classic recipe or a trendy twist, they remain a beloved treat across generations.
6. A Canvas for Creativity
- Cookie decorating can be an art form! From drizzling chocolate to adding colorful sprinkles, each cookie can reflect the baker’s personality.
7. Great for Every Occasion
- Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a regular Tuesday, cookies are suitable for any occasion. They can elevate any gathering or celebration.
8. Nostalgic Bites
- For many, chocolate chip cookies are tied to fond memories—baking with loved ones or enjoying them fresh out of the oven. They evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
Conclusion
For chocolate chip cookie lovers, each bite is not just about taste; it’s about connection, creativity, and comfort. So, bake a batch, share with friends, and enjoy the sweetness of life!