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– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts:** Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. **Form Cookies:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can also use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
8. **Bake:** Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
9. **Cool:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Serve:** Once cooled, serve these delicious American chocolate cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.
Enjoy your homemade American chocolate cookies!