The chocolate chip cookie is a beloved classic in American baking, known for its perfect blend of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. This iconic cookie features a soft and chewy texture, thanks to the combination of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. The star ingredient, of course, is the chocolate chips that melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness as the cookie bakes.

The history of the chocolate chip cookie traces back to Ruth Wakefield, who, in the 1930s, ran the Toll House Inn with her husband. Legend has it that Ruth experimented with adding chopped chocolate to her cookie dough, expecting the chocolate to melt completely. Instead, the chocolate retained its shape, giving birth to the first chocolate chip cookie. The recipe gained immense popularity after being featured on Nestlé's chocolate chip packaging, and since then, it has become a staple in households and bakeries worldwide.

For the chocolate chip cookies recipe, here are the clear and uncomplicated ingredients and the method of preparation:

Ingredients:

- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar

- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2 large eggs

- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Method of Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Gradually blend in the flour mixture until well combined.

6. Stir in chocolate chips.

7. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies!

Nutrition Value:

1. All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 810 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 180 grams

  - Protein: Around 18 grams

  - Fat: Less than 2 grams

  - Sodium: Minimal, typically less than 10 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and B vitamins

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein.

2. Baking Soda (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible (approximately 0)

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: About 1200 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Helps in leavening the dough by producing carbon dioxide when combined with acidic ingredients.

3. Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible (approximately 0)

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: About 1150 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

4. Unsalted Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks):

  - Calories: Approximately 1620 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible (less than 1 gram)

  - Protein: Less than 2 grams

  - Fat: About 184 grams

  - Sodium: About 30 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: About 488 milligrams

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin A and small amounts of calcium and vitamin D

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides fat for texture and flavor.

5. Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 480 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 120 grams

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Minimal, typically less than 5 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and texture to the cookies.

6. Brown Sugar (3/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 540 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 140 grams

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Minimal, typically less than 10 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the cookies.

7. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible (approximately 12 calories)

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Minimal, typically less than 1 milligram

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor to the cookies.

8. Large Eggs (2 eggs):

  - Calories: Approximately 140 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

  - Protein: About 12 grams

  - Fat: About 10 grams

  - Sodium: About 140 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: About 372 milligrams

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds structure, moisture, and protein to the cookies.

9. Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 880 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 120 grams

  - Protein: About 10 grams

  - Fat: About 48 grams

  - Sodium: About 80 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: About 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds chocolate flavor and texture to the cookies.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.