These Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything a classic cookie should be—crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and loaded with gooey, melted chocolate chips. Every bite bursts with that nostalgic, buttery sweetness that makes you want “just one more.” The first time I baked these, the smell alone filled my kitchen with pure happiness, and they disappeared faster than I could cool them. Whether for after-school treats, holiday platters, or late-night cravings, this recipe is a timeless favorite that never fails.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how perfectly they bake—golden edges, soft middles, and the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate. They use simple pantry ingredients but taste like they came straight from a bakery. You can customize them with nuts, different types of chocolate, or even sea salt for a gourmet twist. No chilling required (unless you want extra thickness)—just quick, reliable, delicious cookies every time.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Irresistibly Buttery
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. With crisp golden edges and a tender center, these timeless cookies are the ultimate homemade treat for cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months — bake straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure for that chewy texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Melted or softened for that classic buttery richness.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a hint of caramel flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Creates crisp edges and balances the brown sugar’s depth.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help achieve that tender texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient—use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips (or a mix!).
Optional Add-ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a bakery-style finish.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In another large bowl, cream together melted (or softened) butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms—do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls (or use a cookie scoop) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked—they’ll finish setting as they cool. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm for melty chocolate perfection or let them cool completely for that classic, chewy texture.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Baking time: 10 minutes per batch. Total time: 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Customizations
Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty bite.
Double Chocolate Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for extra chocolate richness.
Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Chunky Chocolate: Use chopped chocolate bars instead of chips for gooey pools of chocolate.
Brown Butter Cookies: Brown the butter before mixing for a deep, nutty flavor.
Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to intensify the chocolate.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
White Chocolate and Cranberry: Swap chips for white chocolate and add dried cranberries.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for perfect results.
FAQs
Why are my cookies flat?
Your butter may have been too warm or the dough overmixed—chill for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt by half.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar and don’t overbake them.
Can I refrigerate the dough?
Yes, chill for up to 48 hours for deeper flavor and thicker cookies.
Why are my cookies dry?
They may be overbaked or have too much flour—measure carefully and bake until just set.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Roll into balls and freeze. Bake straight from frozen when ready.
Can I use different kinds of chocolate?
Yes, mix milk, dark, or white chocolate chips for variety.
Can I make jumbo cookies?
Yes, scoop 3 tablespoons per cookie and bake for 13–14 minutes.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling enhances flavor and texture.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookies are the definition of homemade comfort—soft, chewy, buttery, and brimming with melty chocolate. Whether you prefer them warm from the oven or cooled to perfection, they deliver everything you love about a classic cookie. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for any occasion—or no occasion at all. Once you try these, they’ll become your go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe for life.
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