Every home baker needs a go-to Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, and I’m beyond excited to share mine with you! These cookies deliver the ultimate combination of soft centers, chewy edges, and gooey, melty chocolate morsels in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a celebratory occasion, you’ll love how this classic treat brings comfort and smiles from the very first batch.

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple yet essential ingredients behind these Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each one has a special part to play, from rich butter for tenderness to brown sugar for that signature caramel depth. Don’t skip or swap these without consideration for how it might tweak the taste or texture of your finished batch!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the flavor foundation—softened butter ensures a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture while allowing you to control the salt.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds the perfect dose of sweetness and helps the cookies get that crisp edge.
Packed brown sugar (3/4 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses note, making the cookies chewy and rich.
Large eggs (2): The binding magic that holds everything together and keeps the cookies tender.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Don’t underestimate this—vanilla gives warmth and rounds out all the sweet flavors.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure-builder! Too much and the cookies are tough, too little and they spread too thin.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies rise just the right amount and stay wonderfully soft in the middle.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balance, salt amplifies the sweetness and makes those chocolate chips sing.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The star player—scatter these generously to guarantee gooey chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat makes clean-up easier and ensures the cookies don’t stick or brown too fast. Getting your space ready before you mix lets you move from dough to delicious in record time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key for a soft, pillowy base—be patient and let the mixer do its work for a few minutes until everything looks pale and airy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow with vanilla extract. Each egg incorporates air for height and helps emulsify the dough, while vanilla adds that irresistible bakery aroma you love in chocolate chip cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step disperses the baking soda and salt evenly so every cookie has the same lift and flavor. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture—go slow and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle in those semi-sweet chocolate chips and gently fold them into the dough. You want every scoop to have plenty of chocolate, so take care not to over-mix; it’s the secret to pockets of gooey chocolate throughout your finished cookies!

Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough

Use a tablespoon or small scoop to form dough balls and roll them between your palms for uniformity. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet so the cookies can spread without fusing together into a big (though still delicious) cookie blob.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, keeping a close eye as the edges start turning a delicate golden brown while the centers will still look a little soft. This is what makes for the perfect chewy middle once cooled—resist the urge to overbake!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes (they finish setting here!), then transfer them to a wire rack. This helps the cookies stay crisp outside but beautifully soft and tender inside—exactly what you want in true Chocolate Chip Cookies.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For a little pizzazz, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the cookies while they’re still warm—it highlights the chocolatey richness and brings out every flavor. Another fun idea: drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel before serving for an upscale touch.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk, but Chocolate Chip Cookies also shine alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee. For a dessert platter, try pairing them with berries, whipped cream, or even a dollop of peanut butter for a decadent twist.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, stack the cookies in a tower on a decorative plate, tuck them into pretty boxes tied with ribbon, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two for homemade ice cream sandwiches. Even a cozy napkin-lined basket can turn a simple batch into a bakery-worthy experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days—though I’ll be impressed if they last that long! Slip a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft even longer.

Freezing

For longer keeping, freeze baked cookies or even the raw dough! Freeze cookie balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake off a few cookies whenever a craving strikes. Frozen baked cookies are just a quick thaw away from perfect, too.

Reheating

If your cookies start to lose their fresh-out-of-the-oven magic, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes or give them a 10-second zap in the microwave. This brings back a warm, gooey texture reminiscent of the first day.

FAQs

What makes these Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?

The combination of brown sugar, the right amount of butter, and slightly underbaking gives these cookies their signature chewy centers. Letting them finish setting on the baking sheet is the secret trick for the perfect texture.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with chunks or other flavors?

Absolutely! Chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or even a swirl of white chocolate chips will put a unique spin on your batch. Chopped nuts or toffee bits are also wonderful mix-in options.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

If your cookies spread more than you want, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps cookies hold their shape and results in a thicker, chewier texture. Also, check that you’re not using too-warm butter.

Why do my cookies come out dry?

Dry cookies usually mean too much flour or overbaking. Spoon and level your flour, don’t pack it, and be sure to pull the cookies from the oven while the centers are still slightly soft to keep them moist.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Cookies ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can make the dough a day or two in advance and chill it in the fridge. Bake just before your event for the freshest, warmest cookies that will wow your guests every single time.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chocolate Chip Cookies is like inviting comfort and joy right into your kitchen. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a cookie connoisseur, I can’t wait for you to enjoy this classic recipe as much as I do. Give them a try—you’ll be making sweet memories with every bite!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 24-26 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic chocolate chip cookies that are soft and chewy on the inside, with golden, slightly crispy edges. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

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 brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place on baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them set on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Substitute half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate for a different flavor.
For added texture, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American