Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Easy and Delicious Guide

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To make ultimate chocolate chip cookies, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ¾ cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional) - Flaky sea salt for a finishing touch (optional) These key ingredients work together to create a soft, chewy cookie with rich chocolate flavor. Each item plays a special role. For example, the butter adds richness, while the sugars give sweetness and help with browning. The eggs bind everything together and add moisture. Feel free to customize your cookies. Add nuts for crunch or sprinkle sea salt on top for a lovely contrast. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect cookie! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by preheating your oven. This step is crucial for even baking. Lining the baking sheet helps prevent sticking. It makes clean-up easy, too! - Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them well. This step ensures even rising and flavor. - Beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should turn light and fluffy. This texture is key for soft cookies. - Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy. - Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Use your mixer on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. - Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts. Take a spatula and gently fold in the chocolate chips. If you like nuts, add them now. Make sure they are spread evenly. - Drop dough balls onto the baking sheet. - Bake for 10-12 minutes. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges. - Allow cookies to cool on a rack. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep them soft. Using room temperature ingredients is key. It helps your butter mix well with sugars. This makes your cookies light and fluffy. Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies. Make sure to let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. Avoid overmixing your cookie dough. When you mix too much, you develop gluten. This can make your cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until you see no more flour. Then, fold in the chocolate chips gently. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. If it’s too hot, your cookies might burn. If it’s too low, they won’t rise as they should. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges. The centers should stay soft and puffy. If they look too shiny, they need more time. Serve your cookies warm on a nice platter. They look great and taste better fresh. Pair them with cold milk or a scoop of ice cream. This makes a fun and tasty treat. You can also arrange the cookies with some flaky sea salt on top. It adds a touch of elegance. A simple, decorative plate can make your cookies shine. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Consider using a mix of chocolate types for added depth. Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Customize your cookies by adding different mix-ins such as dried fruits, coconut, or various nuts to create your own unique flavor. {{image_4}} You can add nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Using walnuts or pecans works well. They blend nicely with the rich chocolate. If you want more options, try almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own taste. For a mix, chop them up and fold them into the dough. You can switch up the chocolate chips, too. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste or stick with classic milk chocolate. The flavor changes based on your choice. For a fun twist, combine both types of chocolate. This mix gives a nice balance of sweet and deep flavors. Want to spice things up? Adding a pinch of cinnamon can give your cookies warmth. A touch of coffee can add depth to the chocolate flavor. You can also play with extracts. Try almond or peppermint for a unique twist. Just a drop can change the whole cookie! Store your cookies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. If you stack cookies, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them perfect. You can freeze dough balls for later baking. Scoop the dough and place it on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime! To store baked cookies in the freezer, let them cool first. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. At room temperature, cookies stay fresh for about a week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their texture. If they start to feel hard or dry, that’s a sign they have gone stale. Enjoy them while they’re fresh for the best taste! A chewy cookie has a soft center and a slightly crisp edge. Several factors control this texture: - Butter: Using enough butter keeps the cookie moist. - Brown Sugar: It adds moisture, making cookies softer. - Eggs: They bind ingredients and add richness. - Baking Time: Slightly underbaking helps keep them chewy. With these tips, your cookies will have that perfect, chewy bite every time. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, it may change the cookie's texture and flavor. - Texture: Whole wheat flour can make cookies denser. - Flavor: It adds a nutty taste. - Mixing: Use a bit less flour to keep them light. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour works well. Look for these signs to know your cookies are baked just right: - Edges: They should be light golden brown. - Center: It should look slightly underbaked and soft. - Cooling: Cookies will firm up as they cool. Check these cues, and you'll have perfectly baked cookies every time. Absolutely! Adding extra chocolate chips makes cookies even better. Here are some tips: - Amount: Use up to 2 ½ cups for a chocolatey treat. - Mix: Add them in while folding the dough. - Balance: Adjust flour slightly if using a lot of chips. Feel free to customize your cookies with more chocolate for that extra delight! This post covered essential cookie ingredients and step-by-step baking steps. We discussed various tips to enhance texture and presentation. You also learned about fun variations and how to store cookies effectively. Now, you can confidently make delicious cookies. Remember to enjoy the process and experiment with flavors. Baking should be fun. With these tips, you’ll impress friends and family with your tasty treats. Happy baking!

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Craving the perfect chocolate chip cookie? Look no further! In this easy and delicious guide, I’ll show you how to make the ultimate chocolate chip cookies that are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. From key ingredients to baking tips, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find everything you need to create mouthwatering cookies that will impress everyone. Let’s get started!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Irresistible Flavor: These cookies are a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
  2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve cookie perfection.
  3. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or substituting different types of chocolate for a unique twist.
  4. Perfect Texture: These cookies boast a soft and chewy center with crispy edges, providing a satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients

To make ultimate chocolate chip cookies, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need:

– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– ¾ cup granulated sugar

– ¾ cup packed brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 2 large eggs, at room temperature

– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

– 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

– Flaky sea salt for a finishing touch (optional)

These key ingredients work together to create a soft, chewy cookie with rich chocolate flavor. Each item plays a special role. For example, the butter adds richness, while the sugars give sweetness and help with browning. The eggs bind everything together and add moisture.

Feel free to customize your cookies. Add nuts for crunch or sprinkle sea salt on top for a lovely contrast. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect cookie!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Start by preheating your oven. This step is crucial for even baking. Lining the baking sheet helps prevent sticking. It makes clean-up easy, too!

Mix Dry Ingredients

– Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them well. This step ensures even rising and flavor.

Cream Butter and Sugars

– Beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar.

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should turn light and fluffy. This texture is key for soft cookies.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

– Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

– Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.

Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Use your mixer on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

– Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts.

Take a spatula and gently fold in the chocolate chips. If you like nuts, add them now. Make sure they are spread evenly.

Scoop and Bake

– Drop dough balls onto the baking sheet.

– Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges.

Cooling Process

– Allow cookies to cool on a rack.

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep them soft.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Texture

Using room temperature ingredients is key. It helps your butter mix well with sugars. This makes your cookies light and fluffy. Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies. Make sure to let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.

Avoid overmixing your cookie dough. When you mix too much, you develop gluten. This can make your cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until you see no more flour. Then, fold in the chocolate chips gently.

Baking Tips

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. If it’s too hot, your cookies might burn. If it’s too low, they won’t rise as they should. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.

Look for light golden edges. The centers should stay soft and puffy. If they look too shiny, they need more time.

Presentation Tips

Serve your cookies warm on a nice platter. They look great and taste better fresh. Pair them with cold milk or a scoop of ice cream. This makes a fun and tasty treat.

You can also arrange the cookies with some flaky sea salt on top. It adds a touch of elegance. A simple, decorative plate can make your cookies shine.

Pro Tips

  1. Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.
  2. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Consider using a mix of chocolate types for added depth.
  3. Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
  4. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Customize your cookies by adding different mix-ins such as dried fruits, coconut, or various nuts to create your own unique flavor.

Variations

Nut Variations

You can add nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Using walnuts or pecans works well. They blend nicely with the rich chocolate. If you want more options, try almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own taste. For a mix, chop them up and fold them into the dough.

Chocolate Variations

You can switch up the chocolate chips, too. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste or stick with classic milk chocolate. The flavor changes based on your choice. For a fun twist, combine both types of chocolate. This mix gives a nice balance of sweet and deep flavors.

Flavor Variations

Want to spice things up? Adding a pinch of cinnamon can give your cookies warmth. A touch of coffee can add depth to the chocolate flavor. You can also play with extracts. Try almond or peppermint for a unique twist. Just a drop can change the whole cookie!

Storage Info

How to Store Cookies

Store your cookies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. If you stack cookies, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them perfect.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze dough balls for later baking. Scoop the dough and place it on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime!

To store baked cookies in the freezer, let them cool first. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Shelf Life

At room temperature, cookies stay fresh for about a week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their texture. If they start to feel hard or dry, that’s a sign they have gone stale. Enjoy them while they’re fresh for the best taste!

FAQs

What makes a cookie chewy?

A chewy cookie has a soft center and a slightly crisp edge. Several factors control this texture:

– Butter: Using enough butter keeps the cookie moist.

– Brown Sugar: It adds moisture, making cookies softer.

– Eggs: They bind ingredients and add richness.

– Baking Time: Slightly underbaking helps keep them chewy.

With these tips, your cookies will have that perfect, chewy bite every time.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, it may change the cookie’s texture and flavor.

– Texture: Whole wheat flour can make cookies denser.

– Flavor: It adds a nutty taste.

– Mixing: Use a bit less flour to keep them light.

If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour works well.

How do I know when cookies are done?

Look for these signs to know your cookies are baked just right:

– Edges: They should be light golden brown.

– Center: It should look slightly underbaked and soft.

– Cooling: Cookies will firm up as they cool.

Check these cues, and you’ll have perfectly baked cookies every time.

Can I add extra chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding extra chocolate chips makes cookies even better. Here are some tips:

– Amount: Use up to 2 ½ cups for a chocolatey treat.

– Mix: Add them in while folding the dough.

– Balance: Adjust flour slightly if using a lot of chips.

Feel free to customize your cookies with more chocolate for that extra delight!

This post covered essential cookie ingredients and step-by-step baking steps. We discussed various tips to enhance texture and presentation. You also learned about fun variations and how to store cookies effectively.

Now, you can confidently make delicious cookies. Remember to enjoy the process and experiment with flavors. Baking should be fun. With these tips, you’ll impress friends and family with your tasty treats. Happy bakin

To make ultimate chocolate chip cookies, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ¾ cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional) - Flaky sea salt for a finishing touch (optional) These key ingredients work together to create a soft, chewy cookie with rich chocolate flavor. Each item plays a special role. For example, the butter adds richness, while the sugars give sweetness and help with browning. The eggs bind everything together and add moisture. Feel free to customize your cookies. Add nuts for crunch or sprinkle sea salt on top for a lovely contrast. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect cookie! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by preheating your oven. This step is crucial for even baking. Lining the baking sheet helps prevent sticking. It makes clean-up easy, too! - Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them well. This step ensures even rising and flavor. - Beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should turn light and fluffy. This texture is key for soft cookies. - Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy. - Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Use your mixer on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. - Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts. Take a spatula and gently fold in the chocolate chips. If you like nuts, add them now. Make sure they are spread evenly. - Drop dough balls onto the baking sheet. - Bake for 10-12 minutes. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges. - Allow cookies to cool on a rack. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep them soft. Using room temperature ingredients is key. It helps your butter mix well with sugars. This makes your cookies light and fluffy. Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies. Make sure to let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. Avoid overmixing your cookie dough. When you mix too much, you develop gluten. This can make your cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until you see no more flour. Then, fold in the chocolate chips gently. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. If it’s too hot, your cookies might burn. If it’s too low, they won’t rise as they should. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges. The centers should stay soft and puffy. If they look too shiny, they need more time. Serve your cookies warm on a nice platter. They look great and taste better fresh. Pair them with cold milk or a scoop of ice cream. This makes a fun and tasty treat. You can also arrange the cookies with some flaky sea salt on top. It adds a touch of elegance. A simple, decorative plate can make your cookies shine. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Consider using a mix of chocolate types for added depth. Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Customize your cookies by adding different mix-ins such as dried fruits, coconut, or various nuts to create your own unique flavor. {{image_4}} You can add nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Using walnuts or pecans works well. They blend nicely with the rich chocolate. If you want more options, try almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own taste. For a mix, chop them up and fold them into the dough. You can switch up the chocolate chips, too. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste or stick with classic milk chocolate. The flavor changes based on your choice. For a fun twist, combine both types of chocolate. This mix gives a nice balance of sweet and deep flavors. Want to spice things up? Adding a pinch of cinnamon can give your cookies warmth. A touch of coffee can add depth to the chocolate flavor. You can also play with extracts. Try almond or peppermint for a unique twist. Just a drop can change the whole cookie! Store your cookies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. If you stack cookies, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them perfect. You can freeze dough balls for later baking. Scoop the dough and place it on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime! To store baked cookies in the freezer, let them cool first. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. At room temperature, cookies stay fresh for about a week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their texture. If they start to feel hard or dry, that’s a sign they have gone stale. Enjoy them while they’re fresh for the best taste! A chewy cookie has a soft center and a slightly crisp edge. Several factors control this texture: - Butter: Using enough butter keeps the cookie moist. - Brown Sugar: It adds moisture, making cookies softer. - Eggs: They bind ingredients and add richness. - Baking Time: Slightly underbaking helps keep them chewy. With these tips, your cookies will have that perfect, chewy bite every time. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, it may change the cookie's texture and flavor. - Texture: Whole wheat flour can make cookies denser. - Flavor: It adds a nutty taste. - Mixing: Use a bit less flour to keep them light. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour works well. Look for these signs to know your cookies are baked just right: - Edges: They should be light golden brown. - Center: It should look slightly underbaked and soft. - Cooling: Cookies will firm up as they cool. Check these cues, and you'll have perfectly baked cookies every time. Absolutely! Adding extra chocolate chips makes cookies even better. Here are some tips: - Amount: Use up to 2 ½ cups for a chocolatey treat. - Mix: Add them in while folding the dough. - Balance: Adjust flour slightly if using a lot of chips. Feel free to customize your cookies with more chocolate for that extra delight! This post covered essential cookie ingredients and step-by-step baking steps. We discussed various tips to enhance texture and presentation. You also learned about fun variations and how to store cookies effectively. Now, you can confidently make delicious cookies. Remember to enjoy the process and experiment with flavors. Baking should be fun. With these tips, you’ll impress friends and family with your tasty treats. Happy baking!

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight

Deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies with a hint of gourmet flair.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt for a finishing touch (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal later.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and set aside for later use.
  • Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one by one, making sure to mix thoroughly after each addition. Once the eggs are fully integrated, pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix until the entire mixture is smooth.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Use the mixer on low speed just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
  • Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if opting to include them) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Scoop the Cookies: With a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
  • Sprinkle with Sea Salt: For an added gourmet flair, lightly sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop each cookie dough ball before they go into the oven.
  • Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown while the center remains soft and slightly underbaked.
  • Cool Down: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm with milk or ice cream for an extra treat.
Keyword baking, chocolate chip cookies, dessert

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