There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling your home. It’s warm, comforting, and instantly brings a smile to anyone’s face. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie is always a winner. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true chocolate chip cookies recipe that’s soft in the middle, slightly crisp around the edges, and bursting with chocolate in every bite.
A Little Backstory
Did you know that chocolate chip cookies were first invented in the 1930s by Ruth Graves Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts? She added pieces of chocolate to her cookie dough, hoping they would melt completely, but instead, they softened just enough to give birth to the cookie we know and love today. Since then, countless variations have popped up, but the classic chocolate chip cookie remains a timeless favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
- (Optional) 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Simple, everyday ingredients — yet when combined, they create cookie magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. The creaming process helps make the cookies soft and chewy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. This step adds flavor and helps the cookies develop a rich, homey aroma.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients separately ensures an even distribution, so your cookies bake evenly.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined — overmixing can make your cookies tough.
5. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Make sure they’re spread evenly throughout the dough, so every cookie has a perfect chocolatey bite.
6. Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is key — chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and creates that soft, chewy texture everyone loves.
7. Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the tray for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Pair them with a glass of milk or enjoy them warm straight from the oven — pure bliss.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use brown sugar: It keeps cookies soft and adds a caramel-like flavor.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies should look slightly underdone when removed — they’ll continue cooking on the tray.
- Quality chocolate matters: Chunks or chopped bars give gooey, melty pockets of chocolate.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top brings out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve nailed the classic cookie, you can experiment:
- Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup peanut butter to the dough.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Mix in a cup of oats for a hearty chewiness.
- Stuffed Cookies: Place a piece of chocolate or caramel in the center before baking.
Storing and Freezing Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For the dough, scoop and freeze on a tray. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen dough lasts up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Why We Love Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are more than just a snack. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and incredibly versatile. A batch of homemade cookies can brighten anyone’s day, whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing with loved ones.
Final Thoughts
This chocolate chip cookies recipe is a must-have in every baker’s repertoire. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a touch of love, you can make cookies that are soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and bake your way to happiness — one chocolate chip cookie at a time.