Soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips—ready to wow your taste buds in 30 minutes!
Introduction
Chocolate chip cookies have long held the crown as the king of cookies. Whether it’s the nostalgia they evoke from childhood memories, the delight in biting into a warm, melty cookie straight out of the oven, or simply the universal love for chocolate, these cookies are truly a staple in the world of baking. The perfect chocolate chip cookie should strike a delicate balance between a crispy edge and a soft, chewy center—each bite delivering a harmonious blend of sweetness, salt, and the rich, bold flavor of chocolate.
This recipe has been meticulously crafted to produce consistent, bakery-quality cookies in the comfort of your own home. It doesn’t require any special equipment or complicated ingredients, just good old-fashioned baking basics that come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just a personal treat, this guide will ensure you master the ultimate chocolate chip cookie.
 Ingredients (US Measurements) – Makes 36 Cookies
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups (12 oz) chocolate chips
 Instructions
Stage 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. This ensures that all the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Stage 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process can take 2–3 minutes and is essential for creating that soft, chewy texture by incorporating air into the mixture.
Stage 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the mixture and create a cohesive dough. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
Stage 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do this in three stages, mixing on low speed or by hand to avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until the flour disappears—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Stage 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough. Ensure they are evenly distributed to get chocolate in every bite.
Stage 6: Portion and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop 2–3 tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly underbaked. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
 Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
 Calories
- Approximate Calories per Cookie: 183 kcal
 Tips for Cookie Success
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature butter and eggs ensure even mixing, creating a uniform dough that bakes evenly.
2. Avoid Overmixing
Once the flour is added, be cautious not to overmix. Doing so can develop gluten, resulting in dense cookies.
3. Chill for Thicker Cookies (Optional)
For a thicker cookie with less spread, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step enhances flavor and texture.
4. Don’t Overbake
Cookies continue to bake on the hot sheet after being removed from the oven. Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft for perfectly chewy centers.
5. Customize to Taste
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sophisticated twist.
6. Uniform Cookie Size
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies. This helps them bake at the same rate and prevents some from overbaking while others are underdone.
7. Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or raw dough.
8. Reheat for Freshness
Want that warm, just-baked feeling? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for gooey, fresh-from-the-oven magic.
 How to Prepare the Recipe Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather All Ingredients
Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Set Out Butter and Eggs
Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature—this usually takes about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat butter and both sugars until fluffy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Step 6: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix, stirring just until combined.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
Step 8: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line your baking trays.
Step 9: Scoop and Bake
Scoop dough into 2–3 tablespoon portions, space them apart, and bake.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let cool for 2 minutes on tray, then finish cooling on a rack.
Final Thoughts
The perfect chocolate chip cookie is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary experience that captures joy, comfort, and indulgence in every bite. With this comprehensive guide, you’re not only baking cookies—you’re crafting moments that linger long after the last crumb. So whether you’re sharing them with friends, baking with kids, or indulging solo, these cookies promise to deliver comfort, satisfaction, and a touch of sweetness to any occasion.
Happy baking!