If you have ever dreamed of biting into the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp sweetness, this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will become your new go-to. From the first bite, you’ll experience the comforting embrace of melted butter, rich vanilla, and the delightful bursts of gooey chocolate chips nestled in every morsel. It’s a classic that brings everyone together, whether for a quick snack, a family gathering, or a special treat to brighten the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that ideal texture and irresistible flavor that cookies lovers adore, making this recipe as approachable as it is delicious.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The sturdy base gives your cookies their structure and tender bite.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to just the right fluffiness.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift for a lighter texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out deeper flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 cup): Provides rich moisture and a buttery taste that every cookie needs.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect crisp edges.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel that makes cookies irresistibly chewy.
- Medium eggs, room temperature (2): Bind everything together while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature warm flavor you can’t quite put your finger on but instantly recognize.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (2 cups): The star ingredient, ensuring every bite is filled with melty chocolate goodness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple step ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, which is essential for the perfect rise and balanced flavor in your cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed. Beat until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and beautifully blended, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. This aeration helps create tender and chewy cookies with that magical texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients boost flavor and bring moisture, ensuring your cookies are soft inside without losing structure.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Gradually add your flour mixture in parts to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can develop gluten, which might make your cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. This careful folding keeps the chips evenly distributed without breaking them, guaranteeing luscious pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
To keep your cookies from spreading too thin while baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, preserving the shape and giving your cookies that ideal chewy center and crisp edges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Drop spoonfuls (around 2 to 3 tablespoons each) of the dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to expand. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until you see golden-brown edges forming — that’s your signal the cookies are perfectly baked!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief rest allows them to set up without falling apart. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully before savoring every bite of your homemade masterpiece.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking can elevate these cookies with a pleasant savory contrast. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar for an extra-special touch.
Side Dishes
Chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk to balance the sweet richness. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that never gets old.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with creamy peanut butter or marshmallow fluff for a fun twist. Wrapping cookies in colorful parchment and tying them with a ribbon also makes for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to preserve their chewy goodness and fresh flavor. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies — it works like a charm!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later or bake in batches, you can freeze the dough or baked cookies. Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a sealable bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze them in airtight containers, layered between parchment paper.
Reheating
To revive frozen or leftover cookies, warm them in the oven at 300ºF (150ºC) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and deliciously soft texture that makes this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips. Chunks or chopped chocolate bars work beautifully too and can create delightful pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No mixer? No problem! You can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or whisk. Just take your time creaming the butter and sugar so the texture develops properly.
How do I make these cookies crispier?
If you prefer crispy cookies, bake them a minute or two longer until golden brown all over and use slightly less brown sugar for less chewiness.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure. Texture may vary slightly but the flavor remains delightful.
Why should I chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin and promoting a chewier center with crisp edges. It also deepens the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic that truly satisfies the soul and sweet tooth alike. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved favorite that brings comfort and joy at any occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to share one of the happiest baking experiences ever!
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 perfectly chewy and delicious cookies with a golden brown edge and melty chocolate chips in every bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients, the dough is rested to prevent spreading, ensuring thick, soft-centered cookies every time. Perfect for snacks, dessert, or sharing with family and friends.
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. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the melted butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then reduce the mixer speed to low and add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in parts, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Once combined, use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Chill Dough: To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough, about 2-3 tablespoons each, onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best texture, make sure to chill the dough before baking to reduce spreading.
- Use room temperature eggs to help emulsify the batter better.
- Light brown sugar adds moisture and depth, but you can substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven for a softer or crisper cookie.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
