Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are an American classic, but I can suggest an Italian variant to give them a different touch.

Ingredients

• 250 gr flour
• 125 gr brown sugar
• 125 gr butter at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 200 gr chocolate chips (or coarsely chopped chocolate)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda and a pinch of salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until you get a creamy mixture.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a homogeneous dough forms.
6. Add the chocolate chips to the dough and mix until evenly distributed.
7. Using a spoon, take portions of dough and form balls that you will slightly flatten before placing them on the baking tray, leaving some space between each.
8. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack until completely cooled.

Fun Facts

Chocolate chip cookies were invented in the United States in 1938 by Ruth Graves Wakefield, who ran the Toll House Inn. They became so famous that Nestlé started producing ready-made chocolate chips specifically for cookies.

Italian variant: You can try replacing the vanilla extract with grated orange or lemon zest for a citrusy touch, or adding a handful of chopped toasted hazelnuts for a richer and typically Italian flavor.