Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of baking the perfect batch of cookies that melt in your mouth yet hold just the right amount of chewiness, then this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the rich flavors of buttery dough with bursts of semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a cookie experience that’s comforting, nostalgic, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to ultimate cookie bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its carefully selected, simple ingredients. Each plays a vital role in developing the texture, flavor, and appearance that make these cookies so special.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The base of the cookie, providing structure without weighing it down.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): A small leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough for softness.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup): Contributes rich flavor and creates a tender crumb when properly creamed.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with crispness along the edges.
• Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Boosts moisture and chewiness thanks to its molasses content.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Elevates all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together while adding richness and moisture.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Create those melty pockets of chocolate that define classic cookies.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This step ensures an even bake and perfect cookie shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This dry mixture forms the foundation and prevents uneven spots of baking soda in your cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a tender texture and boosts the cookie’s structure and flavor.

Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract

Pour in the vanilla extract and continue beating until it’s fully blended. This step infuses your dough with that irresistible, classic cookie aroma.

Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs

Crack the eggs into a separate small bowl, then add them one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure a smooth, cohesive dough that won’t be crumbly.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix here; you want everything just combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy, not tough.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a wooden spoon or spatula, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough. This is where your cookies start looking like the treat you’re craving.

Step 8: Portion the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about two inches between each cookie so they have room to spread without sticking together.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft. This timing is crucial to achieve that perfect chewy center.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them set without drying out. Transfer to a wire rack until completely cool before digging in.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to dress these cookies up a bit, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to highlight the chocolate’s sweetness. You can also drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for an elevated look and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or a warm mug of vanilla chai to complement their sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a comforting dessert everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into extraordinary gifts by stacking them in a mason jar layered with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a generous spread of chocolate ganache or peanut butter for a treat that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps maintain their soft and chewy texture by absorbing extra air moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw beautifully for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked feel, warm cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This softens the chocolate and refreshes the chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for margarine?

Butter provides both flavor and texture that margarine can’t quite match, especially in a Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. While you can substitute margarine, your cookies may lose some richness and chewiness.

What’s the secret to keeping cookies chewy?

Using a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar and slightly underbaking them ensures chewiness. Also, avoid overmixing once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chunks of chocolate bars to tailor the cookie sweetness and texture to your liking.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, your butter might be too soft or even melted, or the dough may not be chilled enough before baking. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes or using slightly cooler butter next time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still get deliciously soft and chewy cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like biting into a homemade Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe that hits all the right notes: buttery, sweet, melty, and irresistibly soft. Whether it’s a treat for yourself, a gift, or the highlight of a gathering, this recipe promises to deliver delicious happiness every single time. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and start baking your way to cookie perfection today!

Print