Step-by-Step Guide to Making Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparing the Wet Ingredients

• When I first embarked on my eggless baking adventure, I was amazed at how similar the process was to the traditional recipe. The first step is to cream the softened butter with both the white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial, as it ensures the cookies will have a smooth, soft texture.
• Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, it is time to add the egg substitute. If you are using flaxseed, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about five minutes to thicken. Add this mixture, along with your vanilla extract, to the butter and sugar mixture. Don’t worry if the dough appears curdled at first, as the fat in the butter and the egg replacement may initially separate. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for a few minutes, and it will come together beautifully.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

• Now that your wet ingredients are ready, it’s time to combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients provide the necessary structure and rise for your cookies. When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, it is essential to do so gradually, adding a little at a time to avoid creating a flour cloud in your kitchen.
• After everything is incorporated, you should have a smooth, slightly thick dough. You can check its consistency by using a spoon to scoop a portion of the dough. If it holds its shape without being too sticky or too dry, then you’ve achieved the perfect dough consistency.
• Forming the Dough
• Once the dough is prepared, it is time to shape it into cookie dough balls. I prefer using a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, but a regular spoon will work just as well. Each ball of dough should be about 2 inches in diameter. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Baking Tips

• Baking is where the magic happens. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep in mind that the centers of the cookies will appear slightly underdone, but they will continue to cook once removed from the oven due to residual heat.
• For softer cookies, aim for the shorter baking time, and for crispier ones, let them bake for an additional minute or two. After the cookies are done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set. This step ensures that the cookies hold their shape and do not fall apart when you transfer them to a cooling rack.