Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s be real—there’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house. It’s that sweet, comforting aroma that makes you feel like everything’s right in the world. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, or just to satisfy a sudden craving, these homemade chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate classic. They’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and loaded with sweet, melty chocolate chips in every bite.

This recipe is the perfect balance of soft and crispy, and the best part? It’s so easy! Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, you’re going to love how simple it is to make these irresistible cookies. Trust me—once you bake these, you’ll never need to look for another chocolate chip cookie recipe again!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Classic Comfort: These cookies are the definition of comfort food. They’ll take you back to your childhood or to that first batch you baked with a friend. They’re timeless and always hit the spot.
• Crispy & Chewy Perfection: We’re talking about the ideal cookie texture here—slightly crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle, and full of melty chocolate chips.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed! You probably already have everything you need to whip these up.
• Customizable: Want to add nuts? Go ahead! Prefer darker chocolate? You can swap in bittersweet chocolate chips. This recipe is a blank canvas for all your cookie dreams.
• Guaranteed to Please: There’s no way you won’t be a hero when you bring these cookies to the table. They’re the crowd-pleaser of all crowd-pleasers.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these chocolate chip cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature. The butter helps create that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness that balances out the richness of the butter and chocolate.
• Brown Sugar: Adds that soft, molasses-like depth of flavor that makes cookies irresistible.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brings everything to life, making the cookies smell and taste like a bakery.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that gives the cookies structure and texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that slight crispiness on the edges.
• Salt: Just a pinch! It balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are the classic, but feel free to use dark chocolate or a mix of your favorites!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these cookies is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how to make the best chocolate chip cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies don’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is important for creating that perfect texture!

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. You should have a smooth, creamy mixture.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cookies tough.

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:

Add the chocolate chips and gently fold them into the dough. Try to distribute them evenly, but don’t overwork the dough.

6. Scoop the Dough:

Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out dough balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. You can flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon if you want thinner cookies.

7. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake—they’ll continue to cook a bit on the hot baking sheet once you take them out of the oven.

8. Cool and Enjoy:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, or just on their own—there’s no wrong way to eat these!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving: 1 cookie)

• Calories per serving: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are perfect all on their own, but here are a few ways to take them to the next level:

• With Milk: The classic combo—dip these cookies in a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
• As a Gift: Pack them in a cute tin or box and gift them to a friend or loved one for a homemade treat.
• Warm and Gooey: Pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the gooey, melty chocolate chips all over again.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and results in a thicker, chewier cookie.
• Customize with Mix-ins: Feel free to add extra goodies like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or M&Ms to mix things up.
• Make them Mini: Scoop smaller dough balls for mini cookies that are perfect for snacking or packing in lunches.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: The quality of your chocolate chips can make a huge difference! Try using premium semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: You can, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter gives the cookies a rich, flavorful taste and a chewy texture, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.

Q2: Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
A2: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check if the blend includes xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together.

Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about 30 minutes, and then transfer the frozen dough balls to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Q4: How can I make these cookies chewier?
A4: For chewier cookies, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients, and be careful not to overbake them. Underbaking slightly will also keep the centers soft and chewy.

Q5: How long will these cookies stay fresh?
A5: These cookies will stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the freezer and thaw them when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q6: Can I make these cookies with dark chocolate chips?
A6: Yes, dark chocolate chips will work beautifully in this recipe! You’ll get a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

Q7: Can I use brown sugar only instead of both brown and white sugar?
A7: You can use only brown sugar, but it may affect the texture slightly, making the cookies softer. If you prefer a slightly firmer cookie, stick to using both types of sugar.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets to bake all the cookies, and you may need to bake them in batches.

Q9: Can I add other mix-ins, like toffee bits or candy chunks?
A9: Yes, feel free to add any other mix-ins you like! Just make sure to keep the total amount of add-ins to around 2 cups so the dough doesn’t get too heavy.

Q10: How do I store leftover cookies?
A10: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These chocolate chip cookies are everything you could want in a classic treat—soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. And with a simple, straightforward recipe like this, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch of these irresistible cookies in no time. Enjoy every bite!

Print