The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are everything a cookie should be—soft, chewy, with crispy edges and packed with gooey, melty chocolate chips. This is the ultimate recipe for classic homemade cookies that taste just like the ones from a bakery. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies come together quickly and require no chilling time, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the edges, soft in the center – The perfect balance of textures.
• Packed with chocolate chips – Every bite is loaded with melty chocolate goodness.
• No chilling required – You can bake these cookies right away.
• Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
• Customizable – Add nuts, different types of chocolate, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Chewy cookies: Use more brown sugar than white sugar for extra chewiness.
• Extra chocolatey: Mix different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.
• Nutty version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Salted chocolate chip cookies: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing baked cookies: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Freezing cookie dough: Freeze unbaked dough balls, then bake straight from the freezer (add 1-2 minutes to the baking time).
• Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to make them soft and melty again.

FAQs

How do I make my cookies chewier?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and don’t overbake.

Can I chill the dough for better flavor?

Yes! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and texture.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

If your butter is too soft or melted, the cookies may spread too much. Try chilling the dough before baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce the added salt by half.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Right after baking, use a spoon or cookie cutter to gently shape them while they’re still warm.

Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Yes! You can mix everything by hand with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon.

What’s the best way to ensure my cookies are soft?

Don’t overbake—remove them when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underdone.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in batches.

Can I add oatmeal to this recipe?

Yes, replace some of the flour with rolled oats for a chewy oatmeal-chocolate chip cookie.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be golden brown, but the centers should look slightly soft—they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

This is truly the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe—soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some for later, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and enjoy homemade cookies that taste even better than store-bought!

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