Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly the world’s most beloved bake – and for good reason! They’re golden at the edges, soft in the center, and filled with just the right amount of gooey, melted chocolate in every bite. Whether you like yours classic or customized, nothing smells quite so inviting as a batch of these cookies fresh from the oven. If you’re longing for a dessert that delivers comfort and happiness with every bite, this is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you’ll ever need!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated about making Chocolate Chip Cookies — every ingredient is simple, but each plays a starring role in the overall flavor and texture. It’s honestly like a culinary magic trick: a handful of pantry basics come together to create something unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters.

All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies structure and ensures they have just the right amount of chewiness.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them their delightful lightness.
Salt: Accentuates all the flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting too sweet.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and helps create the perfect soft, tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Gives the cookies a touch of crispness around the edges.
Packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel depth for that soft center we all crave.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic sweetness that ties everything together.
Large eggs: Bind the mixture and bring richness, helping the cookies puff up as they bake.
Semisweet chocolate chips: The heart of the recipe, giving each cookie those rich pools of melted chocolate.
Chopped walnuts (optional): Offer crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly, or omit for pure chocolate bliss.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and that signature golden finish on your Chocolate Chip Cookies. Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased for classic crispy edges.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly, making sure every cookie rises just right and the flavors are perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be light and creamy, as this creates the base for that delightfully tender texture. Creaming properly helps dissolve the sugar, which means no gritty texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Crack the eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures each egg is thoroughly incorporated, which helps aerate the dough and gives you puffier, lighter cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry flour mixture you made earlier. It’s easiest to do this in thirds — resist the urge to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough. Stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and, if you like a bit of crunch, the chopped walnuts. Use a spatula to gently turn the dough so you don’t break up the chips or overdevelop the dough.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the mounds about 2 inches apart so the cookies have room to spread. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked for softer cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Chocolate Chip Cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes — this helps them set and finish baking. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is hard, but just wait for that irresistible aroma to fill your kitchen!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle your warm Chocolate Chip Cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt just as they come out of the oven. It amplifies the chocolatey flavor and adds a gorgeous finish that makes everyone’s eyes light up.

Side Dishes

Classic never goes out of style: pair freshly baked cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a warm mug of coffee. These simple sides make every bite feel like a cozy embrace.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in a vintage cookie jar, arrange them on an elegant serving platter, or tie a few together with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Slip a slice of bread into the container to maintain their moisture, and your cookies will stay irresistible for up to five days.

Freezing

Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully! For dough, portion it into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Baked cookies can go straight into a freezer-safe container — just lay parchment between layers to keep them from sticking.

Reheating

Want that fresh-from-the-oven taste? Warm your Chocolate Chip Cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes, or zap them in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt ever so slightly, making each bite wonderfully gooey again.

FAQs

Why did my Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out flat?

Usually, flat cookies happen when the butter is too warm or melted before creaming, or if there’s too little flour in the dough. Make sure your butter is just softened (not melted) and measure your flour carefully for perfect cookies every time.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The classic recipe is incredibly flexible. Just skip the walnuts if you prefer nut-free cookies, or swap in pecans if you want a different twist.

How do I make my cookies extra chewy?

For truly chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look a tad underbaked. The cookies will finish setting as they cool, staying perfectly soft and chewy.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with chunks or another chocolate?

Definitely! You can use chocolate chunks, chopped chocolate bars, or even mix in white or dark chocolate chips for a unique take. Each type Dessert.

How long can I store Chocolate Chip Cookies dough in the fridge?

You can refrigerate the dough, covered, for up to 3 days before baking. Chilling the dough can actually enhance the flavors and give your cookies a thicker, richer texture once baked.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies is truly an act of love, and this recipe delivers perfect results every single time. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself, these cookies bring warmth and smiles wherever they go. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start baking — your kitchen is about to smell absolutely irresistible!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic comfort of homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfectly soft and chewy with a buttery, vanilla-infused dough loaded with semisweet chocolate chips, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Mix-Ins:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
Combine and Bake: Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using. Drop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 9 to 11 minutes.
Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For softer cookies, remove from the oven when edges are golden but centers are slightly underbaked.
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American