Indulge in the timeless delight of homemade chocolate chip cookies. These cookies boast a perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers, generously studded with rich, melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this classic recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples, making it convenient to whip up a batch anytime.
- Perfect Texture: Achieves the ideal combination of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both children and adults, making it a go-to treat for gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softenedAllrecipes+5Allrecipes+5Allrecipes+5
- Granulated sugar
- Packed brown sugar
- Large eggsAllrecipes+10Allrecipes+10Allrecipes+10
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking sodaGood Food+18Allrecipes+18Allrecipes+18
- SaltAllrecipes+1Allrecipes+1
- Semisweet chocolate chipsAllrecipes+8Allrecipes+8Allrecipes+8
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.Good Food+10Allrecipes+10Allrecipes+10
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and, if desired, the chopped nuts.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.Allrecipes
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 48 cookiesAllrecipes+2Allrecipes+2Allrecipes+2
- Preparation Time: 15 minutesAllrecipes+6Allrecipes+6Allrecipes+6
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Variations
- Double Chocolate: Replace 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolaty dough.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- White Chocolate & Macadamia: Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add macadamia nuts.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the dough before adding the chocolate chips.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing Dough: Portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.Good Food+1Good Food+1
- Reheating: Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm.
FAQs
How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?
To achieve chewy cookies, avoid overbaking. Remove them from the oven when the centers are still soft. Additionally, using more brown sugar than white sugar can enhance chewiness.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread excessively if the dough is too warm. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the spread.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser cookie. For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How can I make my cookies thicker?
To achieve thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking and ensure your baking sheets are cool between batches. Using a higher ratio of flour can also contribute to a thicker cookie.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
While not mandatory, parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even baking. It also makes cleanup easier.
Can I add oatmeal to this recipe?
Yes, you can add rolled oats for a heartier texture. Replace up to 1 cup of the flour with old-fashioned rolled oats.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set but still soft. They will continue to firm
Conclusion
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved classic that never go out of style. With their perfect balance of rich flavor, chewy texture, and simple preparation, they are an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or save a batch in the freezer for future cravings, this recipe delivers consistent and delicious results every time. Give it a try, and you may find yourself returning to it again and again.
Print
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chunks, these chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. Easy to bake and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
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1 cup butter, softened
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup white sugar
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2 eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy.
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Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
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Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Fold in chocolate chips. Scoop onto baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool on rack.
Notes
For gooey centers, slightly underbake. Add sea salt on top for contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American