Few things in life compare to the comforting smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Among the endless cookie variations, the classic chocolate chip cookie reigns supreme. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or simply because your sweet tooth demands it, this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe promises consistent, delicious results every single time.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the journey of making bakery-style cookies at home. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering baking techniques, every detail is here to help you make the best chocolate chip cookies of your life.
Why This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Stands Out
There are thousands of chocolate chip cookie recipes on the internet, but not all are created equal. What makes this one special?
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center.
- Balanced Sweetness: Not overly sugary—just the right amount to complement the chocolate.
- Reliable and Beginner-Friendly: Designed to work flawlessly, even if it’s your first time baking.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to include nuts, different types of chocolate, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a critical role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Pro Tip: Use high-quality butter and chocolate. It makes a significant difference in flavor.
Equipment Checklist
You won’t need fancy gadgets—just a few kitchen essentials:
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pre-Mix Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining your baking trays with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips and optional walnuts.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps develop flavor and prevents excess spreading during baking.
Step 8: Scoop and Shape
Scoop out cookie dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place on your prepared trays, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make cookies tough.
- Use Room Temp Ingredients: Especially for butter and eggs—this ensures even mixing.
- Chilling Is Key: Chilled dough spreads less and bakes more evenly.
- Underbake Slightly: Cookies continue to bake on the tray after coming out of the oven.
Variations You Can Try
Love to experiment? Here are some delicious twists on the classic recipe:
- Double Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Chips: Replace some chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie before baking.
- Stuffed Cookies: Wrap dough around a square of chocolate or caramel for a gooey center.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic snack, but they can also be part of a special treat:
- Serve warm with a cold glass of milk.
- Make ice cream sandwiches.
- Crumble over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with 1–2 minutes added to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is more than just instructions—it’s a baking experience that delivers happiness in every bite. Whether you’re a novice baker or a cookie connoisseur, the simplicity and versatility of this recipe make it a staple worth mastering.
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Description
These classic chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips. Made with simple pantry staples, they’re perfect for beginners and cookie lovers alike. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just a sweet treat, this timeless recipe delivers bakery-style results every time.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined—do not overmix.
Add Chocolate Chips (and Nuts, if using)
- Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped walnuts using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop and Shape
- Scoop 1.5 tbsp of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake—they’ll continue cooking on the sheet.
Cool and Serve
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Variations: Swap semi-sweet chips for dark or milk chocolate. Add sea salt flakes on top for a gourmet touch.
