If you are craving a sweet treat that always hits the spot, this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough loaded with melty semisweet chocolate chips, these cookies offer the perfect balance of chewy and crisp that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a party, or just because, these classic cookies bring a warm, nostalgic joy that’s hard to beat and simple enough for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture, flavor harmony, and rich color that will make your cookies stand out. From the creamy butter to the fragrant vanilla, every choice matters.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb, so soften it to room temperature for best results.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges on the cookies.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Offers moisture and depth of flavor with a hint of caramel thanks to the molasses content.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to a chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the overall sweetness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with just the right density.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and spread out evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for a soft yet structured bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that melts into gooey, chocolatey pockets in every cookie.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This small step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies with minimal hassle.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air, resulting in a lighter texture for your cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract, which gives those cookies their classic homemade aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the rising agents and seasoning throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so gentle is the way to go.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Stir the chocolate chips evenly into the dough, making sure every scoop of cookie will have that every-important chocolate burst.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set but still soft.
Step 8: Cooling Time
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting helps them firm up just right without losing their softness inside.
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine perfectly on their own, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop freshly baked cookies to accentuate the chocolate’s richness. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
A cold glass of milk is truly timeless with cookies, but try serving your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert that’s impossible to resist.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookies and tie them with a rustic ribbon as a charming homemade gift. Or create cookie sandwiches filled with peanut butter or Nutella for a fun twist that impresses both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies. Freeze dough balls on a tray before transferring to a bag to prevent sticking, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes. Frozen baked cookies keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and gooey chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar only?
Yes, but using only white sugar will yield a crisper cookie with less moisture and a lighter flavor. Brown sugar adds chewiness and a hint of caramel that enriches the cookie’s taste.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
Since this recipe uses both baking soda and powder for the ideal texture and rise, you can omit the baking powder but expect a slightly denser cookie. Baking powder helps achieve that soft yet structured interior.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mix semisweet with milk or dark chocolate chips for more complex flavor, or add white chocolate chips and nuts if you want to customize your cookie experience.
How can I make the cookies softer?
Try removing the cookies from the oven a minute or two earlier so they stay a little underbaked, then let them finish setting on the baking sheet as they cool. This keeps the centers nice and soft.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients in this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile choice for many diets.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie, and this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is here to bring that comfort straight to your kitchen. With straightforward ingredients and a no-fuss method, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Go on and treat yourself—these cookies are waiting to become a cherished favorite!
Print
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic and delicious easy chocolate chip cookies made with a perfect balance of butter, sugars, and semisweet chocolate chips. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, offering a straightforward recipe that yields about 36 delightful treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them evenly, then add the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips ensuring they are evenly dispersed in the cookie dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can use a mix of semisweet and milk chocolate chips for a different flavor combination.
- Dough can be frozen and baked later directly from the freezer; just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
