Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Few things in life are as universally delightful as homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies. With their golden edges, gooey centers, and the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, these classic treats are the very definition of comfort food. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving something sweet, Chocolate Chip Cookies always hit the spot with their perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough and melty chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor, so don’t be tempted to skip or substitute. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips to help you bake up the best batch ever:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, and softening it ensures a smooth, creamy dough.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): This gives the cookies a classic sweetness and helps them spread just the right amount.
- Brown Sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Brown sugar adds moisture for chewiness and a subtle molasses flavor.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together and create a tender, rich crumb.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Pure vanilla deepens the flavor and brings a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Flour provides structure, giving your cookies the perfect bite.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent keeps the cookies light and slightly puffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The star of the show, these chips melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly. This small step makes cleanup a breeze and helps your Chocolate Chip Cookies achieve those crisp, golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Creaming properly is key for soft, tender cookies, as it whips air into the dough and helps the sugars dissolve.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once both eggs are fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract. This step ensures an even, creamy base that’s ready to bind with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly throughout the dough, so every Chocolate Chip Cookie bakes up perfectly.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your cookies tough. You’re aiming for a soft dough that just holds together.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every cookie gets plenty of chocolatey surprises!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound of dough. This gives the cookies room to spread while baking. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers are just set—don’t overbake if you love a chewy center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest is the secret to perfectly chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops of your freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies. It brings out the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful crunch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or dust with a little powdered sugar for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats serving Chocolate Chip Cookies with a cold glass of milk, but they’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate. For a fun twist, pair them with fresh fruit or serve as part of a dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift, or arrange them in a decorative tin for sharing. For parties, build a cookie tower or serve with small bowls of ice cream for DIY cookie sandwiches—guaranteed to impress both kids and adults!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Slip a slice of bread into the container to help maintain moisture—just make sure to change it out every couple of days. Your cookies will stay delicious for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Freezing
If you’d like to save some cookies for later, you can freeze them once baked. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For longer storage, freeze the dough instead: scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen by adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm your Chocolate Chip Cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. You can also pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick, gooey treat. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cookies might dry out.
FAQs
Why are my Chocolate Chip Cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, it could be because your butter was too soft or even melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent this, giving you thicker, chewier cookies.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also chop up your favorite chocolate bar for larger, melty pockets in every bite.
How do I get perfectly chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies?
For the best chewy texture, take the cookies out of the oven when the centers still look a bit underbaked. They’ll continue to set as they cool, resulting in that irresistible chewiness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Chilled dough actually makes for thicker, more flavorful cookies, so it’s a win-win!
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
For accuracy, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping it directly. This prevents packing the flour and keeps your Chocolate Chip Cookies from turning out too dense.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a warm batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies with the people you love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic homemade chocolate chip cookies that are soft, chewy, and filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for an easy-to-make dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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 usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute the chocolate throughout.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked for softer cookies.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For soft and chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underbaked.
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
