If you’ve ever craved a cookie that balances gooey chocolate with a tender, buttery crumb, then this Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This recipe is a timeless favorite for a reason: it delivers perfectly soft edges, a chewy center, and that irresistible combination of brown and white sugars that makes every bite bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging on a quiet night in, these cookies will remind you why chocolate chip cookies never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor in your Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Each one plays its part—from the creamy butter that adds richness to the chocolate chips that bring the magic.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Using softened butter helps achieve a creamy dough and tender cookie texture.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve a slight crisp on the edges.
- 2 eggs: Bind all the ingredients and provide structure to the dough.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, fragrant note that complements the chocolate chips.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The cookie’s foundation, creating the perfect chewy yet tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right for that classic look.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the flavor depth.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: The star ingredient, ensuring every bite is filled with melty chocolate goodness.
How to Make Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for when your cookies go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step is key to achieving a light, tender cookie.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow up with the vanilla extract for that signature warm flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and seasoning throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it light.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly so every cookie gets plenty of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
How to Serve Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes the simplest garnishes make a huge difference! Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies just as they come out of the oven. This will elevate the chocolate’s richness and add a perfect balance to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
The best companions for your Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. Vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully—try sandwiching two warm cookies around a scoop for an unforgettable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your cookies on a platter decorated with fresh berries or alongside a bowl of whipped cream. You can even sprinkle crushed nuts or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an extra-special touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week—perfect for snagging a quick sweet bite any time you want.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their charm.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This will soften the chocolate and bring back that freshly baked magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is crucial in this Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because of its flavor and how it affects texture. Margarine or oil will change the taste and may result in a tougher or greasier cookie.
How do I make the cookies crispier?
If you prefer crispy cookies, bake them a minute or two longer and consider reducing the brown sugar slightly, as white sugar contributes to crispness.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you find the cookies spread too much.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can add extra texture and flavor, just be sure to keep the classic chocolate chips as the star.
Why do my cookies sometimes come out flat?
Flat cookies often result from too much butter or using melted butter, or if the baking soda is old and not providing proper leavening. Stick to softened butter and fresh ingredients for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy of baking your own Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe right at home. It’s simplicity and yumminess combined into one little bite of happiness. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s easy, dependable, and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Happy baking!
Print
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe yielding about 24 delicious, soft, and chewy cookies with a golden edge and melty chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown and white sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and allow to cool on the baking sheet before moving.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with chunks, nuts, or dried fruit as desired.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve proper creaming with sugars.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer and let cool completely.
