There’s something truly special about a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven. It’s like a big hug in every bite! Today, I’m excited to share with you my secret recipe for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies that are soft, chewy, and loaded with delicious chocolate chips. Whether you’re a cookie newbie or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s perfect for those quick family dinners or as a sweet treat for your weeknight dinner ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy center with a golden, crispy edge
- Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips for maximum flavor
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients
- Perfect for a quick dessert or snack
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins
- Ready in just 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. Don’t worry, it’s a simple list of pantry staples that you probably already have on hand!
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. I promise it’s easier than you think, and the result is well worth the effort!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for now. It’s important to have your dry ingredients ready before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that perfect chewy texture in the cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well combined. The vanilla adds a subtle flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until they’re incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips gently. You want to distribute them evenly so every cookie has that perfect chocolatey flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor!
Step 7: Scoop Dough
Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. They’ll spread a bit during baking, so don’t overcrowd the sheets.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. This is the secret to achieving that perfect chewy texture!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, you know, just dig in while they’re still warm—I won’t judge!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to help you take your cookies to the next level:
- Use room temperature butter for the best results. It creams better with the sugars, leading to a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Don’t overbake. The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Chill the dough if you want a crisper cookie. Just refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with mix-ins. Try adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a unique twist.
How to Serve
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:
- With a cold glass of milk for a classic combo
- As a base for ice cream sandwiches
- Crumbled over a bowl of vanilla ice cream
- Paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat
Make Ahead and Storage
These cookies are perfect for making ahead. Here’s how to store them:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Dough: You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Scoop and bake straight from the freezer for a fresh cookie whenever you want!
And there you have it—my secret recipe for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies! Whether you’re making them for a quick family dinner, a weeknight dessert, or just because, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. For more cookie inspiration, check out my recipes for Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking! 🍪
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Beat butter with sugars until light and fluffy, then add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
