Chocolate Chip Cookies are the quintessential treat, beloved for their warm, gooey centers and rich, chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or indulging in a sweet craving, this classic recipe delivers perfect cookies every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Crisp edges with soft, chewy centers.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable: Add nuts, different types of chocolate, or other mix-ins to make them your own.
- Timeless Classic: These cookies are universally loved and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underdone.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Double Chocolate: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips for a rich twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough for up to 3 months. Thaw or bake directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked texture.
FAQs
1. How do I make my cookies chewier?
Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar and don’t overbake them.
2. Can I chill the dough before baking?
Yes! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and prevents spreading.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
4. What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chopped chocolate bars.
5. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Make sure the butter isn’t too warm, and chill the dough if needed to help the cookies hold their shape.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
7. How do I ensure even baking?
Bake one tray at a time in the center of the oven and rotate the tray halfway through for even browning.
8. Can I make giant cookies?
Yes, use a larger scoop and bake for a few extra minutes, keeping an eye on doneness.
9. Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try dried fruit, toffee bits, or crushed pretzels for unique flavors and textures.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. With their chewy centers, crisp edges, and melty chocolate chips, they’re sure to become your favorite treat. Whip up a batch today and enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or share them with loved ones for a sweet moment!
PrintChocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and loved by everyone. Enjoy them warm from the oven or with a cold glass of milk!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
- Stir in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoons of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons per cookie) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra gooey cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a unique twist.
- Substitute dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix of both for variety.