Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless classic, loved by people of all ages. With their perfect balance of crispy edges, chewy centers, and gooey pockets of melted chocolate, these cookies are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies never disappoint and are guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your kitchen. This recipe produces the ideal cookie texture: slightly crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and loaded with decadent chocolate chips in every bite. The simple ingredients come together in no time, making these cookies a go-to for any baking enthusiast. Plus, they’re customizable—add nuts, use dark chocolate chips, or switch up the sweetness level to make them your own. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these cookies are a universal favorite that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookie’s soft texture.

6. Stir in the chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Shape the dough: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to form dough balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 9-11 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the dough for extra crunch.

• Chocolate type: Use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips to create different flavors.

• Salted cookies: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the dough balls before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes to bring back their fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, but using butter gives the cookies a richer flavor and better texture.

Why are my cookies too flat?

Overmixing the dough, using too much butter, or not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions and avoid overmixing.

Can I use dark chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap semisweet chips with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor. You can also mix dark and milk chocolate chips.

How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, you can reduce the baking time slightly and make sure you don’t overbake them. You can also use more brown sugar and less granulated sugar for a softer, chewier texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto baking sheets and freeze the individual balls before transferring them to a storage container. When ready to bake, simply bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Can I use a cookie scoop to portion the dough?

Yes, a cookie scoop is perfect for portioning dough into evenly sized balls, ensuring all the cookies bake uniformly.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

How can I make my cookies more flavorful?

For a richer flavor, you can brown the butter before adding it to the dough, or you can add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Can I freeze chocolate chip cookie dough?

Yes, chocolate chip cookie dough can be frozen. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How do I make my cookies crispier?

For crispier cookies, you can slightly reduce the amount of butter and bake them for a couple of extra minutes. This will give the cookies a crisper texture.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookies are a beloved dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer your cookies chewy or crispy, this recipe delivers the ideal balance of texture and flavor. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, these cookies are sure to be a hit in any household. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the irresistible aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies!