Get ready to bake a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies that taste like childhood, comfort, and a fresh-out-of-the-oven hug all rolled into one! This classic recipe delivers the perfect balance of golden, slightly crisp edges, irresistibly gooey centers, and melty pools of chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or savoring them with a tall glass of milk all to yourself, these cookies are destined to disappear fast—so you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every occasion.

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a reason Chocolate Chip Cookies are a beloved staple: the ingredients are straightforward, but the way they come together is pure magic. Each component plays a vital role in building the ultimate texture, flavor, and appearance of your cookies, so here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:

Butter (1 cup, unsalted, softened): The key to rich, tender cookies with unbeatable flavor; be sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Helps the cookies spread just the right amount and contributes to those lovely crisp edges.
Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture for chewy centers and introduces delightful caramel notes.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and give Chocolate Chip Cookies their signature structure.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, unmistakable aroma and depth to every bite.
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the base and just enough chew; measure it properly for best results.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures lift and helps create the perfect golden hue.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the bold chocolate flavor.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The star ingredient—use high-quality chips for melty, chocolatey perfection.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to create those perfectly golden cookies. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and guarantee an easy clean-up later. This simple prep helps the cookies bake evenly and ensures they lift effortlessly from the pan.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is the secret to achieving those crave-worthy cookie textures—creaming incorporates air, which gives your Chocolate Chip Cookies lift and softness where it counts.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition so your dough stays smooth. Follow up with the vanilla extract for a beautiful, fragrant base that makes these cookies simply unforgettable. Don’t rush this step—it’s all about building layers of flavor!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients on their own prevents clumps and ensures every cookie bakes up just right. This simple trick keeps the flavor even and the texture on point.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so blend until you see no more dry flour—your dough should look thick and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

This is where the magic really happens! Gently fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough. Every spoonful should promise a generous bite of melty chocolate—a Chocolate Chip Cookie dream come true.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give cookies room to spread. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, watching for golden brown edges and centers that look just set (they’ll finish up as they cool). Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This quick rest ensures the cookies keep their shape while staying deliciously soft in the middle. Now’s the time to sneak your first warm Chocolate Chip Cookie—chef’s treat!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance each cookie by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking; the salty-sweet contrast is incredible. For an elegant touch, drizzle them lightly with melted chocolate or dust with a bit of cocoa powder before serving.

Side Dishes

These cookies are best friends with a big, cold glass of milk, but don’t stop there! Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even paired with a cozy cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a dozen Chocolate Chip Cookies and tie them up with a ribbon for a charming edible gift. Build the ultimate ice cream sandwich by nestling a scoop of your favorite flavor between two cookies, or try serving them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fruit and nuts for an impressive dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies perfectly fresh, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, though good luck keeping them around that long!

Freezing

For easy treats anytime, freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze portioned, unbaked dough balls for on-demand Chocolate Chip Cookie cravings—just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a little warmth, revive them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes, or pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds. This brings back that irresistible fresh-baked softness and gooey chocolate chips, just like new.

FAQs

How can I make my Chocolate Chip Cookies extra chewy?

Try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. The cold dough spreads more slowly, resulting in thick, chewy centers. Also, slightly underbake the cookies so they remain soft after cooling.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Mix in dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist on classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. You can also chop up your favorite chocolate bar for bigger pockets of melty chocolate.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Cookies can spread if the butter is too warm or if there’s too little flour. Try chilling your dough, or double-check your measurements for the most consistent results. Parchment paper also helps cookies hold their shape.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Use a cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon to portion the dough. This guarantees every cookie is uniform, which means they bake evenly and look bakery-ready!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Definitely—chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit work beautifully in Chocolate Chip Cookies. Just keep total mix-ins to about 2 cups for the perfect balance and texture.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies is one of life’s simplest joys, and this classic recipe will have you coming back for more every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies never fail to bring a smile. So preheat your oven, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate homemade cookie experience!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic comfort of homemade chocolate chip cookies with this easy and delicious recipe. These cookies are chewy, buttery, and packed with rich chocolate chips.

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 brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix-Ins:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes until golden brown. Cool on sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.