If there’s one treat that never fails to brighten the day, it’s the humble chocolate chip cookie. This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe captures that perfect balance of buttery richness, chewy texture, and melty pockets of chocolate that make every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are straightforward to make and endlessly satisfying to eat, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself with a glass of milk.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering those classic chocolate chip cookie flavors and textures you love. From the flour that provides structure to the chocolate chips that bring the magic, every component counts.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Forms the sturdy base of the dough, ensuring cookies hold their shape.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, chewy bite.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Works alongside the baking soda for a tender crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies soft and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges and subtle sweetness.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings moistness and a deep caramel undertone.
- Eggs, room temperature (2 medium): Bind everything together for the perfect texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the overall flavor and adds warmth.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (2 cups): The star ingredient—melts beautifully for irresistible pockets of chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed, so your cookies bake up uniformly without any surprises. Set this mixture aside for now because the magic really starts when we combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the melted butter with both sugars on medium speed. This process whips air into the mix, creating a light, fluffy texture that’s key for tender cookies. Then, slow down the mixer to low and add the eggs individually, making sure each one is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a rich, aromatic flavor that’s the signature of any great chocolate chip cookie.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here; we want to keep those cookies tender, so a light touch is best. Once combined, gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula to evenly distribute those delicious chunks without breaking them up.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is a game-changer—it helps solidify the fat so the cookies spread less during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie with a more concentrated flavor. Trust me, it’s well worth the wait.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
When your dough is chilled and ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheating ensures that the cookies start baking immediately and develop that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 to 3 tablespoons each) onto the prepared sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Don’t worry if the centers look a bit soft; they’ll set perfectly as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to finish setting, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain that ideal texture—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Now it’s time for the best part: tasting your homemade perfection!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can elevate them by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just after baking. This little addition brightens the chocolate flavors and adds a satisfying contrast to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Chocolate chip cookies pair beautifully with cold milk or a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an indulgent treat, serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for cozy comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe stand out? Arrange them in a decorative tin or stack them with parchment paper between layers as a thoughtful gift. You can also use them as a base for cookie sandwiches, filled with frosting or Nutella, to surprise your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps keep them soft by maintaining humidity—a simple trick that really works wonders.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead, both the dough and baked cookies freeze really well. Store dough scoops on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen when ready. Baked cookies should be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm and fresh, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the softness and melty chocolate that make this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you better control over the flavor balance.
Why should I chill the cookie dough?
Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture with more depth of flavor.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other add-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried fruit to personalize your cookies. Just be mindful of how add-ins might affect baking times and textures.
How should I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for longer storage. Including a slice of bread helps keep them soft by maintaining moisture inside the container.
Why do my cookies sometimes come out flat?
Flat cookies are often caused by too much butter, not chilling the dough, or using old baking soda or powder. Ensuring the dough is chilled and your leavening agents are fresh helps maintain proper thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is truly a keeper for anyone who loves a homemade cookie that hits every craving note. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and the warm smell of fresh cookies baking will fill your kitchen with happiness. Don’t hesitate—grab your mixing bowl and whip up a batch today. Your friends and family will thank you, and you might just find yourself with a new favorite go-to indulgence!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe yields soft, chewy, and perfectly golden-brown cookies with rich chocolate chunks. The dough is chilled to prevent spreading, ensuring thick, delicious cookies every time. Ideal for a sweet treat or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 medium eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in parts, mixing just until combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks evenly into the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- Scoop Dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough, approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons each, onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on them for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough longer, up to 2 hours.
- Room temperature eggs help the dough incorporate better and improve texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best flavor.
- Do not overbake; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- You can substitute butter with salted butter then reduce salt by half.
