Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies remain one of the most beloved homemade desserts. Their buttery texture, warm vanilla aroma, and pockets of melted chocolate make them a timeless treat. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these cookies offer a comforting sweetness that appeals to all ages. This recipe delivers bakery-style results with minimal steps, making it ideal for everyday baking, holiday gatherings, classroom treats, or family celebrations. With simple pantry ingredients and a reliable method, anyone can achieve cookies that turn out perfectly golden and irresistibly soft.
Chocolate chip cookies continue to be some of the most searched-for dessert recipes online because they’re quick, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. This recipe stays true to the classic flavor profile: buttery, chewy, and slightly crisp around the edges. It’s a dependable option for home bakers who want predictable, delicious results every time. The dough can also be frozen, making it convenient for busy schedules or last-minute dessert needs. A consistent texture and rich flavor make these cookies an excellent choice for food blogs, recipe collections, and social media content.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Tips
These cookies store exceptionally well and maintain their soft texture for several days. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. The dough can also be portioned and frozen, making it simple to bake fresh cookies whenever needed.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate chip cookies can be enjoyed warm from the oven or paired with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. They’re also excellent as part of a dessert board, lunchbox snack, or holiday cookie tray. For a more indulgent dessert, sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream. When entertaining guests or hosting a family gathering, serving these cookies alongside coffee or hot chocolate always leaves a good impression.
Flavor Variations
This classic recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes. Substitute part of the chocolate chips with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips. Adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts provides a delicious crunch. For richer flavor, brown the butter before mixing, or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. Mini chocolate chips can also be used for a more evenly distributed chocolate bite. Regardless of the variation, the soft and chewy texture remains the star of the recipe.