The Best Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Ever Bake
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the kitchen. It’s the kind of smell that turns a house into a home. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a last-minute school treat, or just because your sweet tooth is calling, this is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you’ll ever need. These cookies are soft in the middle, slightly crisp around the edges, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips. And the best part? You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
Let’s dive into this classic, no-fail recipe that delivers chewy, buttery cookies every single time.
Ingredients (Makes About 24 Cookies)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Yields: About 24 cookies
| Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 25-27 minutes | Serving Size: 2 cookies |
How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until everything is well combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts if using. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look a little soft. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cookie Baking Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t skip the room-temp butter. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter can make your cookies flat.
- Chill the dough if you have time. Even 30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
- Use parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup. It also helps prevent burnt bottoms.
- Don’t overbake. The cookies should look a bit underdone when you pull them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Fun and Tasty Variations
- Double Chocolate: Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder and add white chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
- Salted Caramel: Add soft caramel bits to the dough and sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your baking soda for gluten-free certification.
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Swap out half the butter with peanut butter and add peanut butter chips.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Replace 1/2 cup of the flour with old-fashioned oats for extra texture and heartiness.
FAQs About Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F, just add 2-3 extra minutes.
Why are my cookies flat?
Usually, flat cookies happen when the butter is too soft or melted, or if the dough is overmixed. Chilling the dough helps fix this.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft longer.
Can I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate type or even mix and match for layers of flavor.
What makes a cookie chewy vs crispy?
Chewy cookies usually have more moisture—brown sugar, extra yolk, or less baking time. If you want them crispier, bake them longer and use more white sugar.
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This classic chocolate chip cookie recipe is one I come back to again and again. It’s perfect for beginner bakers and cookie pros alike. And the best part is how customizable it is. You can tweak it to your taste, your pantry, or the occasion. So preheat that oven and treat yourself to something warm, chocolatey, and made with love. These cookies won’t last long, but the compliments will.