If you are on the hunt for the perfect indulgence, look no further because this Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your home with warm, melty goodness. These cookies strike the ideal balance between a tender center and crisp edges, packed with generous pockets of semisweet chocolate chips that make each bite pure bliss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just learning the ropes, this recipe promises a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a comforting hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly, each playing a vital role in creating the cookies’ perfect texture and rich flavor. From the creamy butter that gives softness and structure, to the perfect mix of sugars for sweetness and chew, every component is essential.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): The foundation of your cookie’s tenderness and flavor, softened to blend beautifully with sugars.
- Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Adds sweetness and helps those delightful crispy edges develop while baking.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup (packed): For a touch of molasses flavor and moisture that brings chewiness to the cookies.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients and enrich the dough for a balanced texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: A warm, aromatic note that transforms simple dough into classic cookie magic.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups: The hearty base that provides structure and allows the cookies to hold their shape.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: Leavening agent that promotes the perfect rise and texture.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 2 cups: The star ingredient delivering rich bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2 cup (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast if you want a little extra texture.
How to Make Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Kick things off by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake cookies that are crisp on the edges but soft inside. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is a crucial step to give your cookies that airy lift and caramel-like flavor from the sugars melding with butter. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract for that aromatic boost.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt, so you don’t get any uneven pockets of flavor or rise in the cookies. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now comes the fun part: stirring in those decadent semisweet chocolate chips and the optional chopped walnuts or pecans. This step guarantees that every cookie will be bursting with gooey chocolate and, if you choose, a wonderful nutty crunch that adds even more dimension to your Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Portion the Dough Onto Sheets
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, giving the cookies room to spread without fusing together. This careful spacing helps maintain those perfect individual cookie shapes you crave.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for between 10 and 12 minutes. You’ll want to catch them once the edges turn a lovely golden brown while the centers remain soft—this is the secret to that wonderfully chewy texture. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes so they firm up slightly. Then, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period lets the cookies finish setting up while maintaining their delightful chew and texture.
How to Serve Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect right out of the oven, you can elevate their presentation by sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops just as they come out. This adds a surprising burst of savory contrast that highlights the sweetness of the chocolate and cookie base.
Side Dishes
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. These combinations turn a simple sweet into a cozy moment you’ll savor morning, afternoon, or night.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible ice cream sandwich. You could also crumble leftover cookies on top of yogurt or ice cream for added texture and flavor, making your dessert or snack unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly chewy and delicious for up to one week—perfect for spontaneous cravings!
Freezing
If you want to prepare dough ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen dough can be baked straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring a cookie back to just-baked softness, warm it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick heat makes the chocolate gooey again and revives that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine in this recipe?
While you can use margarine, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture for the Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Margarine can lead to a softer cookie that might spread more, so butter is definitely the recommended choice.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
To increase chewiness, make sure to slightly underbake your cookies by pulling them out when the centers look a bit soft, and consider using more brown sugar than granulated. Also, chilling the dough before baking can enhance chewiness.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips add a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor which some people prefer. Just remember that the bitterness of dark chocolate will change the overall sweetness of the cookie slightly.
Is it necessary to use nuts?
Not at all! Nuts are optional and add a nice crunch and texture to the cookies, but the Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe tastes fantastic without them. Feel free to leave them out if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum or add a binding agent to help the cookies maintain their structure.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a treasure to keep in your baking repertoire—it’s straightforward, rewarding, and endlessly satisfying. Sharing these cookies fresh from the oven fills any home with warmth and joy. Give this recipe a try; I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share with the people you love!
Print
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade chocolate chip cookies with a perfect balance of buttery, chewy texture and rich semisweet chocolate chips. This easy-to-make recipe yields soft-centered cookies with golden-brown edges, ideal for any occasion or dessert craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Add the chocolate chips and nuts: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and optional chopped walnuts or pecans gently to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. This spacing ensures the cookies have room to spread without merging into one another.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked for the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This resting period lets them set up so they don’t break apart when moving. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked chocolate chip cookies!
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better incorporation of air into the dough, yielding lighter cookies.
- Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added to avoid dense cookies.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Walnuts or pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the sweet chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
