If you’ve ever wanted to make the perfect batch of cookies that everyone will rave about, this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the kind of classic treat that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, featuring cookies that are crispy on the edges and irresistibly gooey in the center. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who loves a quick and satisfying baking project, this recipe comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, delivering that signature homemade cookie taste with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward cookie perfection. Each component plays a key role, from the rich butter that adds moisture and flavor, to the combination of sugars that create that perfect chewy-crisp texture and deep caramel notes.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cookies, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just enough for a tender bite without puffing up too much.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Gives the cookies a light sweetness and helps with crispiness around the edges.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar brings moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for chewiness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the whole cookie experience.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give the dough structure.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that makes these cookies truly irresistible with melty pockets of chocolate.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, so your cookies come out perfectly shaped and intact every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt throughout your dough, laying the groundwork for balanced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This creaming process aerates the mixture, helping create lightness in your cookie dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps emulsify the mixture so the dough blends beautifully and bakes evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want the dough to come together without developing too much gluten, which could make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These chocolate gems’ll melt as the cookies bake, creating perfect pockets of sweetness in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until you see golden edges and centers that are set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling slightly allows them to firm up just enough to handle without losing that fantastic chewy texture inside.
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie right after baking. This contrast between sweet and salty can really take your cookies to the next level. If you’re feeling playful, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate on top for a gorgeous finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with classic cold milk – it’s the ultimate combo for dunking. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or tea, turning your cookie moment into a comforting mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter lined with parchment or a colorful napkin for a charming display during gatherings. You can also sandwich two cookies together with creamy peanut butter or your favorite frosting for a delightful twist that will impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside can help maintain moisture and keep them soft longer.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving so they taste freshly baked.
Reheating
Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly baked warmth and softness. This simple step brings back the magic of straight-from-the-oven cookies anytime you want a treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor or use salted butter but reduce added salt accordingly. Just remember, substitutions might slightly change texture or taste.
How do I make the cookies more chewy?
Using more brown sugar and slightly less granulated sugar can enhance chewiness. Also, avoid overbaking since cookies firm up as they cool, so take them out when the centers are just set.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even mix them up for a fun variety. Just keep the quantity similar so the dough balances properly.
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
To avoid dense cookies, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and add too much.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time actually helps the flavors develop and improves texture, resulting in even better cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy of baking and sharing a batch of homemade cookies, and this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe makes it so simple and rewarding. Whether for a cozy night in or a special occasion, these cookies are destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab those ingredients and get ready to create some delicious memories!
Print
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe yields soft, chewy, and classic chocolate chip cookies made from scratch with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugars, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick homemade treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a good texture for your cookies.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them and help with the cookie structure.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and resulting in tender cookies.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Form cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set but still soft.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up without breaking.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
- Spacing cookies 2 inches apart ensures they don’t spread into each other while baking.
- For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer, checking frequently.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips as per your preference.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to a week.
