There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie: soft, chewy, and filled with gooey chocolate. This recipe gives you the perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, chewy center, just like the cookies from your favorite bakery. Perfect for everyday baking or special occasions, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite. Plus, they’re quick to whip up with pantry staples you likely have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is essential for a soft and chewy texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly undercooked. This will give the cookies their soft, chewy centers. For a crispier cookie, bake an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Chocolate Variety: Mix in dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a fun flavor twist.
- Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie before baking for a sweet-salty combination.
Cooking Note
For extra-thick cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and reduce spreading in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These classic chocolate chip cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth dough.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For even baking and consistent sizes, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: For a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to set on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used)
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes of baking time.
How do I keep cookies soft after baking?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will release moisture, keeping your cookies soft for several days.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your butter was too warm or if you didn’t chill the dough, the cookies may spread more in the oven. Try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spread.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil?
Yes, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. Butter gives the best flavor and structure, but if needed, you can use margarine or coconut oil.
Conclusion
These homemade chocolate chip cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and rich with chocolatey goodness. This easy recipe allows you to bake a delicious treat in no time, satisfying sweet cravings and creating a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will enjoy. Serve them fresh out of the oven, and experience the joy of classic, homemade cookies at their finest!