Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Nothing beats the cozy aroma of a fresh-baked Chocolate Chip Cookie wafting through your home. This classic treat is the ultimate comfort food, boasting crispy edges, a perfectly chewy center, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate morsels in every bite. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or simply because you deserve something sweet, this recipe is your foolproof go-to for cookie perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Chocolate Chip Cookie lies in its simplicity—and every ingredient here plays a vital role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture. From rich butter to sweet, gooey chocolate chips, these staples join forces to make cookies that are unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The secret to rich, tender cookies; using it at room temperature ensures the dough mixes evenly.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a caramel-like chew, making each bite soft and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Helps crisp the edges and balance the deep flavor of the brown sugar.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding structure and a subtle richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with sweet, comforting notes that elevate the chocolate.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Builds the dough’s foundation, giving your cookies just the right level of chew.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Lifts the dough so you get that signature pillowy center.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The star of the show! Generously stud your dough for melty pockets in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s the perfect temperature when your dough is ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a snap and ensures your cookies bake up golden without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer if you have one—beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This step is absolutely essential for creating that dreamy texture in your Chocolate Chip Cookie, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. The aroma at this stage is already pure bliss—you know you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low or by hand. Stir just until no flour streaks remain; over-mixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them soft and chewy!
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in those luscious semisweet chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure they’re distributed evenly. Now, your Chocolate Chip Cookie dough is bursting with chocolate in every possible spot—exactly as it should be.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded amounts of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart (they’ll spread as they bake). Pop them in the oven for 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye on them—bake just until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft for that classic gooey center.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all in one go! These Chocolate Chip Cookies are absolutely irresistible while still warm and gooey.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie
Garnishes
Treat your cookies to a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking for a sophisticated, bakery-style finish. You can also dust them with a touch of powdered sugar once cooled or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Chip Cookie with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you’re hosting, serve alongside berries and vanilla ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert spread. These cookies are also delightful with steamy mugs of hot cocoa on a chilly day.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in a tall glass jar for a nostalgic gift or party centerpiece. Make ice cream sandwiches by filling two cookies with your favorite scoop. Or crumble them over a bowl of vanilla pudding or yogurt for a magical treat that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, your Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best texture, slip a slice of bread into the container to keep them soft—your cookies will thank you!
Freezing
For future cravings, freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag; they’ll keep for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies, wrapped tightly, for a quick treat—just pull out and thaw as needed.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies anytime, reheat baked cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives the gooey chocolate chips and brings that fresh-baked feel back instantly.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Just reduce the added salt by half to balance the flavors. Salted butter gives a slightly richer taste to the Chocolate Chip Cookie, but you’ll still get fantastic results either way.
Why do my cookies come out flat?
Flat cookies can be due to overly soft butter or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking—this helps prevent too much spreading and yields a thicker, chewier Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other mix-ins?
Definitely! Swap in white chocolate, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around 2 cups for best results.
How do I make the cookies extra chewy?
Chilling the dough is key. Let the Chocolate Chip Cookie dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight. This step allows the flour to hydrate and gives you a delightfully chewy bite every time.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales beautifully. Double all the ingredients, and bake in batches. It’s perfect for parties, bake sales, or when you want to freeze some for later cookie emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of these Chocolate Chip Cookies is like sharing a warm hug with the world. Simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is one every home baker should have in their repertoire. Try it, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share (at least a few) with someone you love!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic goodness of homemade chocolate chip cookies with this simple and delicious recipe. These cookies are perfectly chewy with a hint of sweetness and loaded with chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Combine chocolate chips: Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop and bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, chill dough before baking.
- Add flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
