Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – The Best Soft & Chewy Cookies

Few desserts evoke as much universal joy as a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie. Achieve bakery-quality results at home with this chocolate chip cookie recipe that delivers irresistibly soft centers, slightly crisp edges, and just the right amount of chew. Unlike flat, crunchy impostors, these cookies maintain their texture for days, making them ideal for everything from lunchboxes to holiday parties. Discover why thousands consider this the best chocolate chip cookie recipe for consistent results every time.

Ingredients List

• • 2¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
• • 1 tsp baking soda
• • 1 tsp fine sea salt
• • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• • ¾ cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
• • 2 large eggs, room temperature
• • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• • 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• • Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Timing

• • Prep Time: 15 minutes
• • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• • Total Time: 27 minutes + cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. • Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. • Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. • Cream Butter & Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
4. • Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. • Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just incorporated.
6. • Fold In Chips: Gently stir in chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
7. • Portion Dough: Using a 2-tbsp scoop, place dough balls 2 inches apart on sheets.
8. • Bake: 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden but centers remain soft.
9. • Cool: Let rest on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Pro Tips & Variations

• • Texture Secret: For extra chewiness, replace ¼ cup of butter with ¼ cup vegetable oil.
• • Chocolate Hack: Use a mix of semi-sweet chips and chopped chocolate bars for complex flavor.
• • Make-Ahead: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months – bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
• • Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend without xanthan gum.
• • Storage: Keep cookies soft by storing in airtight containers with a slice of bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm cookies with ice-cold milk for classic comfort. For special occasions, sandwich cookies around vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel. These pair beautifully with espresso, berry compote, or as part of a dessert charcuterie board with fresh fruit and assorted chocolates.

FAQs Section

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Over-creaming butter/sugars or warm dough are common culprits. Chill dough for 15 minutes before baking if kitchen is warm.

Can I use salted butter?Yes, but reduce added salt to ½ tsp to avoid over-salting.

How do I get thicker cookies?Press dough balls slightly taller than wide before baking rather than perfect spheres.

Do I need a mixer?A hand mixer works best for creaming, but you can mix by hand with vigorous stirring.

Conclusion

This perfected chocolate chip cookie formula delivers crowd-pleasing results with minimal effort—no special equipment or obscure ingredients required. With the flexibility to customize mix-ins and guaranteed soft-chewy texture, these cookies will become your new signature treat. Share your baking triumphs using our chocolate chip cookie recipe, or explore our sourced best chocolate chip cookie recipe for alternative techniques. Preheat your oven – dessert perfection awaits!