The rich blend of cocoa and chocolate chips makes these cookies a chocolate lover’s dream. With crisp edges and soft, gooey centers, they strike the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cookie collection.
This is a straightforward, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking to indulge in a decadent treat. You can add a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast or even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two for the ultimate dessert. They also make great gifts—just wrap a stack in parchment and ribbon for a homemade touch.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light 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 a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
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Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Why Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Are a Timeless Favorite
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm cookie straight from the oven, and when it comes to satisfying a chocolate craving, nothing quite compares to a double chocolate chip cookie. These cookies double up on the decadence with both cocoa powder and rich chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s fudgy, soft, and completely addictive. Unlike classic chocolate chip cookies that highlight the contrast between buttery dough and chips, double chocolate chip cookies are a full-on cocoa experience—perfect for those who like their desserts rich, bold, and unapologetically chocolaty.
Whether you enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just on their own, these cookies hit all the right notes. Their texture strikes a beautiful balance between crispy edges and chewy, melt-in-your-mouth centers. For many, this combination brings back warm memories of childhood, holiday baking, or cozy nights at home. It’s a classic that never goes out of style and continues to impress across all ages and occasions.
The Secret Behind the Fudgy Texture
What sets these cookies apart is their luxuriously soft and fudgy texture. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of fat to flour, the use of both brown and white sugars, and the inclusion of unsweetened cocoa powder. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while white sugar contributes to that slight crisp around the edges. Meanwhile, the cocoa powder infuses the dough with deep chocolate flavor and a soft, rich body.
To push the decadence even further, high-quality chocolate chips and optional chunks melt into pockets of gooey chocolate with each bite. The result? A cookie that practically melts on the tongue but still has enough structure to hold together beautifully. If you chill the dough before baking, the flavors deepen and the texture improves even more, producing a bakery-style cookie right from your kitchen.
Perfect for All Occasions
Double chocolate chip cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on virtually any occasion. Hosting a party? These cookies will vanish from the dessert table. Celebrating a birthday or holiday? They make the perfect addition to cookie platters and gift boxes. Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Just one of these will do the trick. They’re also a popular choice for bake sales, school lunches, and potlucks.
Beyond the home kitchen, these cookies are bakery staples and café favorites, and for good reason—they’re indulgent without being overcomplicated, familiar yet fancy enough to impress. Plus, with their deep brown color and glossy chocolate bits, they’re visually stunning too.
Customizing Your Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can personalize the cookies based on your preferences or the occasion. Want even more chocolate? Add chunks of dark or milk chocolate. Prefer a contrast in flavor? Mix in a handful of white chocolate chips or swirl in some peanut butter. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a gourmet touch.
For those who like a bit of texture, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even crushed pretzels. You can also experiment with different extracts—peppermint for a holiday twist, almond for a subtle nuttiness, or espresso powder for a mocha-style cookie. Vegan and gluten-free adaptations are also easy to make by swapping in appropriate alternatives like flax eggs, plant-based butter, and gluten-free flour blends.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure the cookies bake up perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
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Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and room temp eggs mix more easily and evenly, creating a smoother dough.
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Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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Chill the dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
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Line your baking sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep the bottoms from overbaking and to ensure easy cleanup.
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Watch the bake time: These cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out of the oven—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
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Cool properly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and helps maintain their chewy texture.
Why These Cookies Are Great for Gifting
If you’re putting together a homemade gift basket, a plate of freshly baked double chocolate chip cookies makes a heartfelt and crowd-pleasing addition. Their rich flavor and beautiful presentation make them stand out, and because they store well, they’re perfect for gifting. Wrap them in cellophane with a bow, pack them in a decorative tin, or stack them in mason jars for a rustic, charming look.
They also make a thoughtful gesture during the holidays, housewarmings, or even as a “thinking of you” surprise for a friend. Including a handwritten note with the recipe is a nice touch that turns a simple gift into a meaningful memory.
How to Store and Freeze
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll retain their soft texture and flavor, especially if you place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
If you want to prep ahead or save extras, this dough freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a tray to flash freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time—no thawing required.
You can also freeze baked cookies. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Kids and Adults Love Them
It’s no surprise that both kids and adults adore these cookies. Children love the soft centers and gooey chocolate chips, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor that comes from quality cocoa and a touch of salt. They’re an easy win for family baking nights and also make a great hands-on activity for kids to help with—especially when it comes to mixing the dough or pressing in extra chocolate chips before baking.
Because they’re not too sweet or complicated, these cookies appeal to nearly every palate. They’re a nostalgic treat for some and a new discovery for others, but in every case, they’re guaranteed to satisfy.
A Cookie Worth Sharing
In a world filled with trendy desserts and complicated confections, the double chocolate chip cookie remains a reliable favorite. It brings together everything we love about sweets—simplicity, warmth, and rich flavor—in one bite. Sharing a batch is a sweet way to connect with others, whether you’re baking with family or giving cookies to friends. It’s a universal treat that sparks joy and invites smiles.
The recipe also provides a wonderful base for exploring your creativity in the kitchen. Once you master the classic, you can riff on it endlessly, inventing new versions that speak to your personal taste or seasonal ingredients.
Conclusion
Double chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. With their rich cocoa base, gooey chocolate chips, and satisfying chew, they capture everything you could want in a homemade treat. Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll return to again and again.
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or tuck them away in a lunchbox for a midday delight, these cookies offer comfort and pleasure in every bite. Bake a batch today and see why this classic never goes out of style.