Few things are more comforting than a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven. With golden edges, a soft and chewy center, and melty chocolate chips in every bite, this recipe is a timeless favorite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Simple ingredients – pantry staples you already have at home.
✔️ Perfect texture – chewy centers with crisp edges.
✔️ Customizable – add nuts, different chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
✔️ Crowd-pleaser – everyone loves a homemade cookie!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter & sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs & vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
- Scoop & bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between cookies. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool & enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Chewier cookies: Use more brown sugar than white sugar.
- Crispier cookies: Bake 1–2 minutes longer for golden, crunchy edges.
- Bakery-style look: Press a few extra chocolate chips on top of the dough before baking.
- Flavor twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking for a sweet-salty balance.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months – bake straight from the freezer, just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
These classic chocolate chip cookies are a tried-and-true recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. Perfect with a glass of cold milk, they’re the ultimate comfort treat for any occasion.
