Few treats can match the timeless appeal of a classic chocolate chip cookie. Crisp around the edges and chewy in the center, these cookies offer the perfect harmony of buttery sweetness and rich, melty chocolate. This recipe combines salted butter for a subtle savory balance with a mix of white and light brown sugars to create depth and moisture, resulting in cookies that are perfectly tender and packed with flavor.
Baking chocolate chip cookies is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. Using a blend of chocolate chips and chunks adds a delightful texture and gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite. The subtle hint of extra salt brings out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, making these cookies utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a quick snack, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are a comforting classic that everyone loves. Serve warm with a glass of milk, or pack them up to share—they’re perfect any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture – Crispy edges with a chewy, soft center.
- Balanced Sweetness – A mix of white and brown sugars creates complex flavor.
- Melty Chocolate – Using both chips and chunks adds rich texture.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Customizable – Easily adapted with nuts, different chocolates, or flavor extracts.
Ingredients
- Salted butter
- White sugar (raw cane sugar preferred)
- Light brown sugar, packed
- Vanilla extract
- Egg
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chocolate chips and chunks
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate dough.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Replace 1/2 cup flour with rolled oats.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen flavor.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, cream the salted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 6
Fold in the chocolate chips and chunks.
Step 7
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Step 8
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft.
Step 9
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature butter for better creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
- Use a mix of chips and chunks for varied chocolate texture.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a flavor boost.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with cold milk or coffee for the ultimate treat.
- Pair with ice cream to make delicious cookie sandwiches.
- Pack in a cookie tin or jar as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Enjoy as an anytime snack or dessert.
- Crumble over yogurt or pudding for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen and thawed as needed.
Reheating
Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes for a fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead?
Yes, but reduce or omit added salt in the recipe.
2. Why do cookies sometimes spread too much?
Warm dough or too much butter can cause spreading. Chill dough if needed.
3. Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
4. How do I make cookies chewier?
Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or slightly underbake the cookies.
5. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely. Adjust sweetness if using very dark chocolate.
6. What size scoop should I use?
A tablespoon or small cookie scoop makes perfectly sized cookies.
7. Can I add nuts?
Yes, fold in chopped nuts of your choice.
8. Why do some cookies turn out cakey?
Too much flour or overmixing can cause cakey texture.
9. How long do baked cookies last?
They stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
10. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. With its perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and rich chocolate, it’s sure to satisfy any cookie craving. Whether baked fresh for family or made ahead for later indulgence, these cookies are simple to prepare and endlessly delicious. Make a batch today and discover your new favorite go-to cookie!
PrintChocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic chewy and buttery chocolate chip cookies with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly salty flavors. Made with a mix of white and brown sugars for extra depth, and loaded with chocolate chips and chunks for delightful melty bites. Great for snacks, desserts, or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
-
8 tablespoons salted butter, softened
-
½ cup white sugar (raw cane sugar preferred for texture)
-
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 large egg
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour (6.75 ounces)
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste)
-
¾ cup chocolate chips and chunks (mixed)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips and chunks evenly.
-
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
-
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow to finish setting as they cool
Feel free to add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
Dough can be refrigerated overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Few treats can match the timeless appeal of a classic chocolate chip cookie. Crisp around the edges and chewy in the center, these cookies offer the perfect harmony of buttery sweetness and rich, melty chocolate. This recipe combines salted butter for a subtle savory balance with a mix of white and light brown sugars to create depth and moisture, resulting in cookies that are perfectly tender and packed with flavor. Baking chocolate chip cookies is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. Using a blend of chocolate chips and chunks adds a delightful texture and gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite. The subtle hint of extra salt brings out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, making these cookies utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a quick snack, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are a comforting classic that everyone loves. Serve warm with a glass of milk, or pack them up to share—they’re perfect any time of day. Why You’ll Love This Recipe Perfect Texture – Crispy edges with a chewy, soft center. Balanced Sweetness – A mix of white and brown sugars creates complex flavor. Melty Chocolate – Using both chips and chunks adds rich texture. Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Customizable – Easily adapted with nuts, different chocolates, or flavor extracts. Ingredients Salted butter White sugar (raw cane sugar preferred) Light brown sugar, packed Vanilla extract Egg All-purpose flour Baking soda Salt Chocolate chips and chunks Variations Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Double Chocolate: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate dough. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Replace 1/2 cup flour with rolled oats. Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen flavor. Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg. How to Make the Recipe Step 1 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Step 2 In a large bowl, cream the salted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Step 3 Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. Step 4 In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Step 5 Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Step 6 Fold in the chocolate chips and chunks. Step 7 Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Step 8 Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft. Step 9 Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Tips for Making the Recipe Use room temperature butter for better creaming with sugar. Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep cookies tender. Chill dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies. Use a mix of chips and chunks for varied chocolate texture. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a flavor boost. How to Serve Serve warm with cold milk or coffee for the ultimate treat. Pair with ice cream to make delicious cookie sandwiches. Pack in a cookie tin or jar as a thoughtful homemade gift. Enjoy as an anytime snack or dessert. Crumble over yogurt or pudding for extra indulgence. Make Ahead and Storage Storing Leftovers Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freezing Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen and thawed as needed. Reheating Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes for a fresh-baked feel. FAQs 1. Can I use unsalted butter instead? Yes, but reduce or omit added salt in the recipe. 2. Why do cookies sometimes spread too much? Warm dough or too much butter can cause spreading. Chill dough if needed. 3. Can I substitute gluten-free flour? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. 4. How do I make cookies chewier? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or slightly underbake the cookies. 5. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Absolutely. Adjust sweetness if using very dark chocolate. 6. What size scoop should I use? A tablespoon or small cookie scoop makes perfectly sized cookies. 7. Can I add nuts? Yes, fold in chopped nuts of your choice. 8. Why do some cookies turn out cakey? Too much flour or overmixing can cause cakey texture. 9. How long do baked cookies last? They stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. 10. Can I freeze baked cookies? Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Conclusion This Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. With its perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and rich chocolate, it’s sure to satisfy any cookie craving. Whether baked fresh for family or made ahead for later indulgence, these cookies are simple to prepare and endlessly delicious. Make a batch today and discover your new favorite go-to cookie!