Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly magical about pulling a fresh batch of cookies from the oven, especially when they’re classic, warm, and brimming with melty chocolate; that’s why I keep this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe close to my heart. This recipe has everything you crave: crisp edges, chewy centers, and those beautiful pockets of gooey chocolate that can turn any day into a special occasion. Whether you’re keeping tradition alive or sharing a sweet moment with loved ones, these cookies have a way of making memories—one delicious bite at a time.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a great Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how it transforms pantry staples into something unforgettable. Each ingredient isn’t just there for show—together, they create the irresistible taste, classic chewy texture, and golden hue that make these cookies a universal favorite.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your cookies their delicious chewiness and structure.
- Baking soda: Ensures just the right lift and spread, setting apart fluffy cookies from dense ones.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Just half a teaspoon brings out all the sweet, rich flavors in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (softened): This is key for that tender crumb and rich, buttery finish we all crave.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them crisp up around the edges.
- Packed brown sugar: For depth of flavor and a soft, chewy interior.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and keep the cookies moist.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a welcoming warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient—those oozy, melty treasures in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a bit of crunch and nuttiness if you’re in the mood for extra texture.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, you’ll have time to gather and prep all your ingredients. This step guarantees your cookies bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color on the edges.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only ensures all your leavening is evenly scattered but also prevents any lumps from popping up in the final dough—a tiny detail with big results.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and, with an electric mixer on medium speed, thoroughly blend the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and creamy. This step traps air in the dough, helping to create that signature soft-yet-chewy texture in this chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one fully incorporates before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and keep mixing until everything’s united and glossy. These ingredients build the cookie’s flavor and add needed moisture.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, beating on low speed just until no floury streaks are left. A gentle touch goes a long way here—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate and Nuts
With a spatula, stir in the chocolate chips and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. That way, every bite is generously studded with melty chocolate and a hint of crunch.
Step 7: Form and Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one for spreading room. Slide them into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers look just set. Resist the urge to overbake—they’ll continue to cook slightly once out of the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for two minutes before moving to a wire rack. This bit of patience lets the centers settle and keeps your cookies perfectly intact. Now, the hardest part: waiting for them to cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue on that gooey, irresistible chocolate!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkling of flaky sea salt right after the cookies come out of the oven is a total game changer—it melts slightly and adds a sophisticated finish that enhances the chocolate. For an elegant touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your freshly-baked cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for nostalgia, or serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert duo that’s hard to beat. Hot coffee or a warm mug of cocoa also make for a cozy, satisfying combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies on a rustic tray lined with parchment, tie up mini bundles with baker’s twine for gifts, or layer them in a glass jar for a sweet centerpiece. You can even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for the easiest, most delightful homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store extras from your Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll keep fresh and chewy—if you can resist them for that long!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or stash dough for sudden cravings), freeze the unbaked dough on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Baked cookies can also be frozen; just let them cool completely first, and they’ll thaw back to tasty perfection.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, give your cookie a quick 10-second zap in the microwave or a couple minutes in a gentle oven. The chocolate softens, the cookie warms up, and you’re back in cookie heaven.
FAQs
How do I get my cookies to stay soft and chewy?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. Also, avoid overbaking; remove cookies when the edges are golden but the center still looks a little soft.
What’s the best way to measure flour for the Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
For accuracy, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—packing flour can lead to dry, dense cookies in any chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Swap in dark, milk, white chocolate chips, or even chunks for a twist on the classic. The Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is versatile and just as delicious with your favorite chocolate.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Butter that’s too soft or warm can cause cookies to spread more. Try chilling your dough or using a slightly cooler oven if you prefer thicker cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover, and chill it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. This not only helps with scheduling but also intensifies the flavors in your Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you love sharing little moments of joy, this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is truly one to save and savor. I hope you’ll try it soon, let your kitchen fill with that amazing aroma, and create a cookie jar full of smiles!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic goodness of homemade chocolate chip cookies with this easy and delicious recipe. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: to 375°F.
- Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Blend dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until fully combined. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes until golden. Cool on wire rack.
Notes
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Experiment with dark or white chocolate chips for flavor variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg