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
These classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips — a timeless treat that’s easy to make and loved by everyone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for the best texture.
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze dough balls for later baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg