The warm, comforting smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies can instantly transport anyone back to their childhood. These cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and chewy centers, loaded with rich semisweet chocolate chips in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a sweet family treat, or just because, this timeless recipe delivers satisfaction every time. You can customize it with dark chocolate, add nuts, or even sprinkle a little sea salt on top for an elevated twist. Keep them in an airtight jar and you’ve got sweet joy at your fingertips all week long.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup white sugar
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between cookies.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a warm batch of chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. For many, it’s the first recipe ever baked, a rite of passage in the kitchen that instantly becomes a staple for every generation. These chewy chocolate chip cookies, with their crisp golden edges and irresistibly soft centers, are more than just a treat — they’re a memory, a tradition, and for many, a beloved obsession.
Why These Chocolate Chip Cookies Stand Out
What makes this particular chocolate chip cookie recipe special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slightly crispy outer rim offers a satisfying bite, while the inside remains tender, moist, and chewy — the hallmark of a cookie done right. This recipe nails that harmony thanks to the thoughtful ratio of sugars, the richness of real butter, and the ample amount of semisweet chocolate chips scattered throughout the dough.
Brown sugar adds depth with a hint of molasses, and white sugar contributes to the structure and crispy texture. The inclusion of both baking soda and baking powder ensures a soft rise and a tender crumb. Vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma, making your kitchen smell like a bakery every time you whip up a batch.
A Recipe Rooted in Tradition
Chocolate chip cookies are an iconic part of American baking history. Invented in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, who ran the Toll House Inn, these cookies started as an accidental creation — one that would go on to become one of the most popular cookies in the world. Since then, bakers have taken the original idea and experimented in countless ways. Still, there’s something timeless and magical about the classic chewy chocolate chip cookie that keeps us coming back.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, preparing after-school snacks for the kids, or just craving a sweet late-night indulgence, this recipe delivers every time. These cookies are a hit at bake sales, potlucks, birthday parties, and cozy nights in. They’re easy to transport, universally loved, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Want to make ice cream sandwiches? These cookies are the perfect foundation. Looking to impress a new neighbor or sweeten up a workplace meeting? This batch won’t let you down.
Tips for Baking the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the ingredient list is simple, a few tricks can take your cookies from good to unforgettable:
Use room temperature butter: Softened butter ensures the dough creams properly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Don’t skip the chill time (if you can help it): While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, resting the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) allows the flavors to develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Use a mix of chocolate: For extra decadence, try combining semisweet chips with dark chocolate chunks or even milk chocolate. This variety adds layers of sweetness and richness.
Slightly underbake for a chewy center: Removing the cookies from the oven while the center still looks a touch underdone ensures a soft, gooey bite once cooled.
Sprinkle with sea salt before baking: If you’re into that sweet-and-salty combo, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking adds contrast and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Adaptable for All Tastes
This recipe is endlessly customizable. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. If you’re into spice, a dash of cinnamon can warm up the flavor profile. Prefer them dairy-free? Swap the butter for plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Need gluten-free? Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and you’re set.
These cookies also freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze the dough in balls and bake fresh cookies on demand, or you can freeze the baked cookies and enjoy them whenever the craving hits. They reheat beautifully in the microwave for that just-baked feel.
Healthier Options (Without Compromising Taste)
If you’re looking to make these cookies a little more nutritious, there are small changes that still preserve the spirit of the original. You can reduce the sugar slightly, swap half the flour for whole wheat, or use coconut sugar in place of white and brown sugars. Unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of some of the butter to cut down on fat while keeping them moist.
Adding in oats or shredded coconut also boosts the fiber and gives the cookies a slightly hearty feel. You can even sneak in a tablespoon or two of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for a little nutritional punch.
Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make
Kids love getting involved with this recipe — from measuring ingredients to sneaking chocolate chips while stirring the dough. It’s a great baking activity for families, especially because the results are almost guaranteed to be delicious. Let the little ones shape the cookie dough balls or decorate the tops with extra chocolate chips — it makes for a fun and rewarding experience.
Storage and Freshness Tips
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay soft and fresh for up to a week. If you like warm cookies on demand, store the dough in the fridge or freezer and bake small batches as needed.
To maintain their chewiness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies — it helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies from drying out too quickly. If they do start to get a little firm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings them right back to life.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but indulgent dessert. They’re perfect as a snack, post-dinner treat, or even for a sweet breakfast alongside a smoothie or latte.
If you’re entertaining, arrange them on a rustic wooden tray or in a decorative jar — they double as both snack and décor. Package them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for an easy and heartwarming gift.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
This recipe strikes the perfect chord between nostalgic comfort and gourmet bakery quality. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or exotic ingredients, and yet, it delivers cookies that rival any store-bought version — if not surpass them. You’ll love how easy it is to make a batch, how comforting the aroma is as they bake, and how every bite brings a little joy.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this is the kind of go-to recipe you’ll keep printed, bookmarked, or memorized for life. It’s timeless, foolproof, and always leaves you wanting just one more.
Conclusion
In a world filled with flashy desserts and gourmet confections, the classic chewy chocolate chip cookie still reigns supreme. Its simplicity is its strength — familiar, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. With this tried-and-true recipe, you can whip up a batch of cookies that not only taste amazing but also bring people together, evoke cherished memories, and create new ones in the process. Keep a jar on your counter, stash a few in your freezer, and you’ll always have a reason to smile — because few things compare to the joy of a homemade chocolate chip cookie.