Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is the perfect combination of crispy and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making each bite irresistible. The dough is easy to prepare and comes together in no time. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these cookies are simple to make and yield consistently delicious results. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a cold glass of milk!
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¾ cup packed brown sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
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Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for added crunch)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 24-30 cookies
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
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Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
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Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace ½ cup of the butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
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Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate Chips: Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips to create different flavor profiles.
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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a heartier version.
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Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a caramel, peanut butter, or Nutella center to make your cookies extra special.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but make sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of different types of chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
Why are my cookies spreading too much or too little?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because the dough is too warm or there’s too much butter. If your cookies are spreading too little, you may not have added enough butter, or the dough might be too cold. Make sure the dough is at the right temperature before baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
How can I make the cookies softer or crunchier?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and store them in an airtight container. For crunchier cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes or allow them to cool longer on the baking sheet.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes, you can add other mix-ins such as chopped dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even M&Ms for extra fun and flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from being too flat?
To prevent your cookies from spreading too thin, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. Cold dough will spread less during baking.
Can I freeze cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Your cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are slightly soft but not raw. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic, made even better with their perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe will always deliver a batch of irresistible cookies. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them for later—either way, they won’t last long! Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic treat that combines soft, chewy centers with crispy edges and loads of delicious chocolate chips. Easy to make and irresistible, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. With their rich buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
¾ cup packed brown sugar
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
2 large eggs
-
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for added crunch)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
-
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
-
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft.
-
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Variations:Double Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey version.Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Replace ½ cup of the butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor.Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a heartier version.Stuffed Cookies: Add a caramel, peanut butter, or Nutella center for an extra indulgent treat.Storage:Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.Reheating: Reheat cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
