Name: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484141H58M29S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick butter, softened (salted preferred); 2 cups light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 bag (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven? There’s something so magical about biting into that soft, chewy center and tasting the perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey goodness. This recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying that cookie craving. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought cookies again. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s bake something delicious together!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookies

This isn’t just any cookie recipe—it’s a love letter to chocolate chip cookies! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because you need something sweet, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let me tell you why these cookies will win your heart:

Versatile: Perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re having a quiet night in or a big family gathering, these cookies are always the star of the show.
Budget-Friendly: You’ll find most of these ingredients already hanging out in your pantry. No need to splurge on anything fancy—just simple, classic ingredients that make magic.
Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking, these cookies are as easy as it gets. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can totally nail these cookies with zero stress.
Customizable: Want to switch things up? Feel free to throw in nuts, swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even add some caramel bits. The world is your cookie oyster.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s kids, adults, or cookie connoisseurs, these will be a hit. They’ve got that perfect balance of chewy and crisp, with gooey pockets of chocolate that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Making these chocolate chip cookies is a breeze with these simple, staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter: This is where the magic happens. Softened butter creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies irresistible. It’s the foundation of that perfect chewiness!
Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the butter. It also helps achieve that golden brown color as they bake.
Brown Sugar: Brings a hint of caramel flavor and makes these cookies extra soft. It’s a game-changer for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs: Eggs give the cookies structure and moisture. They also help create that slightly chewy texture we all know and love.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making these cookies taste even more delicious.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the dough. It gives the cookies their structure and helps them hold together while still staying soft in the middle.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just enough for that perfect texture. No one likes a cookie that’s too flat or too puffy, and baking soda ensures just the right balance.
Salt: A little pinch of salt helps to bring out the sweetness and balance all the flavors in the cookie.
Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! You’ll want to use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect melt and rich chocolate flavor in every bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake some cookies? Here’s how you can bring these beauties to life:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown edge.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should come together without being too tough.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now, fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. This is the fun part! Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough for that delicious chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Scoop and Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Don’t worry about them being perfect—they’ll spread into lovely cookie shapes as they bake!

Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. For that perfect chewy texture, don’t overbake. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy with a glass of milk or just by themselves—trust me, they’re that good.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun ways to take them up a notch:

With a Glass of Milk: The classic combo! Dip your warm cookies in a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
With Ice Cream: Sandwich your cookies around a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an epic dessert. You can’t go wrong with vanilla, but chocolate or mint chip is a fun twist.
As a Gift: Wrap up a batch of these cookies in a cute tin or jar and share them with friends, family, or neighbors. It’s the perfect sweet gesture.
With Coffee: For a more grown-up treat, pair these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or espresso. The bittersweet notes of the coffee balance the sweetness of the cookies.

Presentation matters too! Serve them on a pretty platter with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that bakery-style look.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. It ensures the dough comes together smoothly and creates that perfect texture.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and results in an even chewier texture.
Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
Freeze the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop and freeze the dough, and then bake straight from the freezer when you want a fresh batch of cookies!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can work in a pinch. Just know the cookies might not be as rich and may spread a little more during baking.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?
A2: You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with more granulated sugar, but the texture might be slightly different.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer (just add a minute or two to the baking time).

Q5: Can I add nuts to these cookies?
A5: Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans are great additions. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

Q6: How do I make these cookies chewier?
A6: For chewier cookies, add an extra egg yolk and make sure not to overbake them. The soft center is the key to that chewy texture.

Q7: Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
A7: Yes, dark chocolate chips will give the cookies a slightly richer flavor. If you’re a dark chocolate fan, go for it!

Q8: What if my dough is too dry?
A8: If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

Q9: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A9: Definitely! Just reduce the baking time by a minute or two, and you’ll have perfectly bite-sized cookies.

Q10: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A10: The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for the middle to be fully set in the oven!

Conclusion

And there you have it—warm, chewy, perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies that’ll make your house smell like heaven. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to hit the spot every time. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the sweet, chocolatey goodness!