If you have a soft spot for classic treats that bring comfort with every bite, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s a timeless favorite that combines perfectly chewy centers with crispy, golden edges, all studded with melty semisweet chocolate chips. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing party addition, these cookies are simple to make yet irresistibly delicious, hitting that sweet spot between buttery richness and chocolatey goodness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking a batch of these delightful chocolate chip cookies. Each component plays a crucial role—from the butter that creates softness to the sugar blend that balances sweetness and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a creamy dough that bakes to a tender cookie.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges.
- Brown sugar: Packed for deeper flavor and moisture, it keeps the cookies chewy.
- Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, lending structure and body.
- Baking soda: Leavens the dough so the cookies rise perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that melts into irresistible pockets of chocolate.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to skip if you prefer plain chocolate chip cookies.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your cookies go in. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is key for that soft, tender cookie texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time for thorough mixing, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that classic warmth.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
Step 4: Add the chocolate chips and nuts
Fold in the generous amount of semisweet chocolate chips, making sure each spoonful of dough has lots of chocolate. If you love a little extra texture, toss in chopped walnuts or pecans here to add a pleasant crunch with every bite.
Step 5: Scoop the dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.
Step 6: Bake the cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies develop golden brown edges—but keep the centers soft for that perfect chewy bite. Timing is everything here, so keep an eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool the cookies
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to set up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their shape and enhances the texture as they firm up just right.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are delicious on their own, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top right after baking to highlight that chocolate-and-sweet contrast even more. Alternatively, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate or drizzle with homemade caramel for an indulgent twist.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookies alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic combo that never fails. For a grown-up option, pair them with a cup of strong coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn your snack into a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting these cookies or presenting them at a party, try stacking them with parchment paper between layers in a beautiful jar or box. Or, create cookie sandwiches by spreading a layer of Nutella or peanut butter between two cookies for a fun surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread inside helps maintain their moisture beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze baked cookies as well, separated by parchment paper, to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This revives their softness and melts the chocolate chips just perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting your cookies since salted butter already contains salt.
Why do my cookies spread too much while baking?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if you used baking powder instead of baking soda. Chilling the dough before baking can help control spreading.
Can I substitute the brown sugar with more granulated sugar?
You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that granulated sugar lacks, so the cookies might turn out a bit crisper and less chewy.
Are chopped nuts necessary for the recipe?
No, nuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer plain chocolate chip cookies or have allergies.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, slightly underbake the cookies, and avoid overmixing the dough. Adding an extra egg yolk can also enhance chewiness.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings comforting joy in every bite. Once you make this classic, buttery, chocolatey treat, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in home baking. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth perfectly.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic chocolate chip cookies with a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers, featuring semisweet chocolate chips and optional nuts for added texture and flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe yields delicious homemade treats loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the cookies tender.
- Add the chocolate chips and nuts: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft, which ensures a chewy texture inside.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked chocolate chip cookies!
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by removing them at 10 minutes.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help reduce spreading during baking.
- Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to omit or substitute with other nuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
