Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling the house, isn’t there? It instantly takes me back to childhood afternoons spent in the kitchen, watching my mom pull a tray of golden cookies out of the oven, the chocolate still warm and gooey.

Chocolate chip cookies have always been a family favorite, and now I’m passing that love on to my own kids.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe for classic Chocolate Chip Cookies never disappoints. The mix of sweet, buttery dough and rich, melty chocolate is pure comfort food. And the best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!

I’ve tried countless cookie recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to. It’s simple, reliable, and hits all the right notes every time, perfectly chewy with a hint of crispness around the edges.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookies

What’s not to love about chocolate chip cookies? They’re a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for your kids or hosting friends. The recipe is so easy, that you’ll have a batch ready in no time—and who can resist the smell of cookies baking in the oven?

I love how these cookies strike that perfect balance between chewy and crispy. The chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness, while the edges stay just the right amount of crisp. Every bite is a little piece of happiness.

Plus, this recipe is super flexible. You can toss in some nuts or use different types of chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous. I’ve even made mini versions for a snackable treat! Whatever the occasion, these cookies are always a hit, and they never last long in my house.

Loved these easy Chocolate Chip Cookies? You won’t want to miss our scrumptious Red Velvet Brownies!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious chocolate chip cookies. The ingredients are pretty simple, but I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in flavor. Trust me, you can taste it in every bite!

Butter – I always recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the added salt a bit. Room temperature is best for easy mixing.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar – The combination of these two sugars gives the cookies that chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. If you like a deeper, richer flavor, go for dark brown sugar instead of light.

Eggs – Bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing. It helps everything blend smoothly. If you’re out of eggs, you can substitute a flax egg or even applesauce, though the texture will change a bit.

Vanilla extract – A good quality vanilla adds so much warmth and depth to these cookies. I like to use pure vanilla extract, but if you’re in a pinch, imitation vanilla will work.

All-purpose flour – I stick with regular all-purpose flour for this recipe. If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it works surprisingly well.

Baking soda – This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise just a bit while baking.

Salt – A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness of the cookies and balances the flavors. You can even sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top for an extra flavor pop.

Chocolate chips – The star of the show! You can use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate depending on your preference. I’ve even mixed in a combination for extra fun.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

I promise it’s easier than you think, and before you know it, your kitchen will smell like pure heaven. Here’s how to make these classic cookies in just a few steps.

• Prep your oven and baking sheet Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. I find that parchment helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup so much easier.
• Cream the butter and sugars In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer, but if you’re feeling nostalgic like me, mixing by hand works too—just a little elbow grease is required!
• Add eggs and vanilla Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.
• Mix the dry ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.
• Fold in the chocolate chips Gently fold in the chocolate chips. This is always my kids’ favorite part—they sneak a few chips while we’re mixing. You can add as many or as few as you like. I usually go a little heavy on the chocolate for extra gooey goodness.
• Scoop and bake Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Enjoyed baking these delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies? You can find the entire printable recipe just below!

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

For super chewy chocolate chip cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. It helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much. If you want extra gooey centers, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.

Always use room-temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs. It makes mixing smoother and gives the cookies a better texture.

Finally, for a bakery-style touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the dough before baking—it balances the sweetness beautifully!

How do I keep my chocolate chip cookies soft and chewy?

The key to soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies is all about underbaking just a little! Bake until the edges are golden, but the centers still look slightly underdone.

They’ll firm up as they cool. Also, storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps keep them moist longer. The bread adds moisture to the air, keeping your cookies soft.

Can I freeze chocolate chip cookie dough?

Absolutely! Freezing chocolate chip cookie dough is one of my favorite tricks. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

You can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Perfect for when you need fresh cookies in a pinch!

Print

Why did my chocolate chip cookies spread too much?

If your chocolate chip cookies spread too much, it’s likely due to butter that was too warm. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps.

Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too little flour can cause the cookies to spread more than you’d like.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats a chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven with a cold glass of milk. It’s my kids’ favorite after-school snack, and honestly, I can’t resist joining them! If you’re feeling fancy, try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

These cookies are also perfect for sharing at parties or gifting to friends. I like to pack them up in a cute tin around the holidays. And for a grown-up twist, pair them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate—it’s pure comfort in every bite.

My Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about homemade chocolate chip cookies. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you crave that classic, comforting taste, they never fail to bring smiles.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your kitchen.

If you do make these cookies, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or send me pictures, I always enjoy seeing how my recipes come to life in your homes. And if you’re looking for more sweet ideas, don’t forget to check out my other recipes!