Chocolate Chip Cookie
Few desserts hold as much universal appeal as the classic Chocolate Chip Cookie. Golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and filled with rich pockets of melted chocolate — it’s the definition of comfort food. Whether you bake them for a family gathering, a school event, or simply to fill your home with that irresistible aroma, chocolate chip cookies never fail to bring smiles. This timeless recipe blends simplicity, flavor, and nostalgia into every delicious bite.
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 pure vanilla extract
For the Sweet Touch:
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work great)
• 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 pure vanilla extract
For the Sweet Touch:
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work great)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly, so your cookies bake with the perfect texture — crispy edges and chewy centers.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies that soft, irresistible bite. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture. Mix just until combined — overmixing can make the cookies tough. Once the dough forms, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts if using. Each scoop of dough should be studded with bits of chocolate ready to melt during baking.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. The space allows the cookies to spread and bake evenly without merging together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve warm for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience, or let them cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly, so your cookies bake with the perfect texture — crispy edges and chewy centers.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies that soft, irresistible bite. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture. Mix just until combined — overmixing can make the cookies tough. Once the dough forms, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts if using. Each scoop of dough should be studded with bits of chocolate ready to melt during baking.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. The space allows the cookies to spread and bake evenly without merging together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve warm for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience, or let them cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
• For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies — they’ll set as they cool.
• Want thicker cookies? Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Substitute half of the chocolate chips with chunks for a rustic, bakery-style texture.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies — they’ll set as they cool.
• Want thicker cookies? Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Substitute half of the chocolate chips with chunks for a rustic, bakery-style texture.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Variations to Try
Chocolate chip cookies are wonderfully adaptable. Once you master the base recipe, the possibilities are endless:
• Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder and use dark chocolate chips for a rich, brownie-like version.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of rolled oats for a hearty texture.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Mix in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
• Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• White Chocolate & Cranberry: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and mix in dried cranberries for a festive spin.
• Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder and use dark chocolate chips for a rich, brownie-like version.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of rolled oats for a hearty texture.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Mix in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
• Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• White Chocolate & Cranberry: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and mix in dried cranberries for a festive spin.
Serving Ideas
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat that fit any occasion. Serve them with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic snack, crumble them over ice cream for a decadent dessert, or sandwich two cookies with vanilla ice cream for a homemade ice cream sandwich. For parties, stack them in jars tied with ribbons — they make beautiful edible gifts that everyone loves.
Storage and Freezing Tips
To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Place a slice of bread in the container — it keeps moisture inside and prevents the cookies from drying out. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Calories: 210
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 90mg
Fiber: 1g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 90mg
Fiber: 1g
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
This recipe captures everything that makes a perfect chocolate chip cookie — buttery aroma, golden crisp edges, and soft chewy centers filled with melted chocolate. It’s reliable, simple, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, these cookies come out perfect every time. There’s a reason they’re a staple in homes across America — they’re timeless, comforting, and always satisfying.
Final Thoughts
A batch of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies can turn any ordinary day into something special. The smell alone creates warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of family kitchens and childhood joy. Share them with loved ones, give them as gifts, or simply keep a few for yourself with your morning coffee. It’s more than just a dessert — it’s a tradition worth keeping alive.
