Panera Bread's Chocolate Chip Cookie (Copycat Recipe)

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Panera Bread's famous chocolate chip cookies with this copycat recipe. Each cookie is perfectly chewy with a crisp edge, loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and has a hint of vanilla that enhances its delightful sweetness. This recipe stays true to traditional baking methods and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.