The Best Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe You’ll Ever Bake
Let’s be honest—there’s something downright magical about a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend treat, or just because your sweet tooth said so, this classic chocolate chip cookies recipe never disappoints.
These cookies are everything you want them to be: crisp around the edges, soft in the center, buttery, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a solid recipe and a craving for something homemade and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic, nostalgic flavor
- No chilling required
- Comes together in under 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of soft and chewy
- Great for bake sales, lunchboxes, or midnight snacks
| Serving Size: 24 cookies | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch | Total Time: 25–30 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best here.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Add the chocolate chips
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and bake
Drop rounded tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop for uniform size) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Or sneak one while it’s still warm—no judgment.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Don’t overbake. The key to chewy centers is pulling them out just before they look done.
- Room temperature butter is a must. Softened butter creams better and helps achieve the right texture.
- Use a cookie scoop. This helps your cookies bake evenly and look bakery-perfect.
- Let the dough rest. While not required, letting the dough sit for 20–30 minutes before baking can improve flavor.
- Switch up your chips. Try a mix of milk, dark, and semisweet for chocolatey depth.
Variations to Try
This classic base recipe is super flexible:
- Nuts about it: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Salted chocolate vibe: Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Oatmeal twist: Replace 1/2 cup of flour with quick oats for a chewy texture.
- Mini cookies: Use mini chips and make bite-sized cookies for parties or snacks.
- Brown butter upgrade: Brown the butter first for a rich, nutty flavor boost.
FAQs About Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can happen if your butter was too soft or melted, or if your baking soda is expired. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes if this keeps happening.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Results may vary slightly, but it works well.
How do I keep them fresh?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.
Can I halve the recipe?
Sure can. Just divide every ingredient by two and you’ll get a smaller batch.
Related Post: Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
Final Thoughts
These classic chocolate chip cookies are the kind of treat you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re baking with your kids, prepping for a party, or just craving something sweet after dinner, this no-fail recipe has you covered.
They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.