If you dream of a batch of soft, golden chocolate-studded cookies fresh from your oven, this Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is exactly what you need. With just the right balance of gooey and chewy, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for all ages! Whether it’s a weekday treat or a special occasion, there’s always a reason to make and share Chocolate Chip Cookies, and you’re about to discover just how easy and rewarding it can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great Chocolate Chip Cookies start with a few simple staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient brings its own little magic—think richness, structure, sweetness, and of course, those melty pockets of chocolate. Here’s what you need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and soft chew to the cookies.
- Baking soda: Lifts the cookies, giving them a beautiful rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds flavor, richness, and the irresistibly soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and just the right amount of crispness at the edges.
- Packed light brown sugar: Offers a hint of caramel flavor and helps keep the cookies moist and chewy.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and adds that classic bakery aroma.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The main event! These create glorious melty pools and bursts of chocolate in each bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also guarantees the perfect golden bottoms on your Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed throughout the dough and avoids any salty surprises.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and pillowy—this is the air you want for lovely, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then blend in the vanilla extract. This ensures a smooth, evenly mixed base for your Chocolate Chip Cookies and that no egg bits remain unincorporated.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Take your time and only mix until just combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them soft and tender!
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Careful mixing keeps your dough tender and ensures plenty of chocolatey goodness is spread throughout each cookie.
Step 7: Portion and Arrange
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread without merging into each other.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just golden and the centers still look a bit soft—trust me, they’ll finish setting as they cool. Let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long).
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking amps up the chocolate flavor and gives your Chocolate Chip Cookies that artisan bakery vibe. For extra flair, press a few additional chocolate chips on top before they cool.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats a cold glass of milk next to a warm cookie—but why stop there? These delights also shine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot cocoa, making your dessert spread feel ultra-indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile Chocolate Chip Cookies on a cake stand for an inviting centerpiece, stack them in jars tied with ribbon for homemade gifts, or crumble them over a sundae bar for a fun, interactive dessert. Impress your guests and make memories with every delicious bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for midweek snacking or a quick sweet treat with a cup of coffee.
Freezing
For busy bakers or future cravings, freeze the unbaked dough in portioned scoops or stash baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag. Dough can chill out for up to three months—just thaw slightly and bake as usual for fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and gooeyness, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds or reheat briefly in a low oven. This little trick revives the chocolate chips, making each bite as dreamy as day one.
FAQs
How can I make my Chocolate Chip Cookies even chewier?
For extra chew, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. The resting time hydrates the flour and prevents the cookies from spreading too much, leading to a satisfyingly thick, soft center.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in dark, milk, or mini chips, or even a mix for more dimension. Chopped chocolate bars or chunks also provide delicious pools of melty chocolate in every bite.
What’s the best way to get consistent-sized cookies?
Using a cookie scoop keeps your portions uniform, which helps all your Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly. This also makes the scooping process neat and super speedy.
Why do my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can be caused by overly soft butter or warm dough. Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking or ensuring your butter is just softened, not melted, for better results.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still end up with wonderfully delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s magic in a classic, and these Chocolate Chip Cookies prove it with every bite. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of pure, homemade joy today!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic chocolate chip cookies are a favorite for a reason – they’re chewy, buttery, and packed with chocolate chips. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these cookies will quickly become a household staple.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden on the edges but soft in the centers.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
