Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft in the center, crisp around the edges, and packed with gooey chocolate in every bite. This classic cookie recipe is timeless, satisfying, and exactly what you imagine when you crave the ultimate chocolate chip cookie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are the ideal balance of flavor and texture—chewy, buttery, and rich with chocolate chips. They’re made with everyday ingredients, come together in minutes, and don’t require any chilling (unless you want extra depth of flavor). Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or stored for later, these cookies hold their soft texture and irresistible taste.

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
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
7. Scoop dough by the tablespoon (or use a cookie scoop) and place onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10 minutes to bake.

Variations

• Thick & chewy: Chill the dough for 1–2 hours before baking for thicker cookies.
• Nutty version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Double chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base.
• Salted top: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty finish.
• Mix-ins: Try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or dried fruit for variety.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm baked cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

How do I get soft and chewy cookies?

Use more brown sugar than white sugar and avoid overbaking. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them from the oven.

Can I chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling enhances flavor and creates thicker cookies. Chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid oversalting.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chips are classic, but you can use milk, dark, or a mix of chips and chunks for variety.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Your butter may have been too soft or melted. Try chilling the dough or reducing oven temperature slightly.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze dough balls for easy baking later.

How do I make crispier cookies?

Bake a minute or two longer until the edges are deep golden brown and let them cool completely on the tray.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but still works well.

Why use both brown and white sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while white sugar contributes to crisp edges and sweetness.

What’s the best way to scoop cookie dough evenly?

Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size and even baking.

Conclusion

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic for good reason—soft, chewy, golden, and loaded with melty chocolate. This easy, foolproof recipe gives you bakery-style results right at home. Whether you like them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead freezer favorite, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy every sweet craving.

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