These chewy chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate treat, with their crisp edges and soft, gooey centers. The combination of buttery richness and the deep sweetness of the chocolate creates a mouthwatering dessert that’s hard to resist.
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can bake up a batch of warm, comforting cookies that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Perfect with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, they are a timeless classic for any occasion.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
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1 cup packed light-brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
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Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Baking Tips and Techniques for the Best Cookies
Achieving the perfect chocolate chip cookie isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s also about technique. One of the most important tips is to make sure you roll the dough into tall, textured columns rather than smooth, flat balls. This small change ensures that the cookies will bake up thick and chewy, with a crinkled, wrinkled appearance on top.
The baking time is also key. These cookies should bake at a lower temperature, around 325°F (163°C), to prevent them from spreading too quickly and to ensure that the centers remain soft and chewy. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will look soft when you take them out of the oven. This is perfectly fine because the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
If you’re making large cookies, like the ones in this recipe, be prepared to bake them for slightly longer, around 12–14 minutes. If you’re baking smaller, medium-sized cookies, 10–12 minutes should be enough. Always remember to cool the cookies on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without becoming too fragile.
Freezing Cookie Dough: A Time-Saving Tip
One of the great things about this chocolate chip cookie dough is that it can be made in advance and frozen for later use. After chilling the dough, you can roll it into balls and store them in a large zipped-top bag in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls directly on the baking sheets and bake for an extra minute or so. This is an excellent option for when you have a craving for freshly baked cookies but don’t want to make a whole batch from scratch.
Freezing the dough allows you to bake just a few cookies at a time, making it perfect for when you want a homemade treat without the commitment of baking a full batch. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, although we doubt they’ll last that long!
Customization: Make These Cookies Your Own
While this recipe is delicious on its own, it’s also a great base for customizing your cookies with different add-ins. If you prefer nuts, feel free to add in some chopped walnuts or pecans. You can also swap out chocolate chips for other types of chocolate, like white chocolate or peanut butter chips. For a fun twist, add M&M’s or even a few sprinkles to the dough before baking. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your cookie variations.
Conclusion: The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Ever Make
These chewy chocolate chip cookies are a true masterpiece of baking. With their perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and rich, gooey chocolate, they are sure to become your go-to cookie recipe. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or simply to enjoy with a glass of milk, these cookies never disappoint. With the tips and techniques shared here, you’ll be able to recreate these perfect cookies every time. Happy baking!