These easy chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat loved by everyone. With a soft and chewy interior and a crisp edge, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something about a fresh batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies that can’t be beaten. This recipe is incredibly simple yet yields the most delicious cookies with a perfect combination of flavors. The buttery dough, combined with rich chocolate chips, creates the ultimate indulgence. The ease of preparation means you can have warm cookies in no time, making this a go-to recipe for cookie lovers!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (160g) packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: For a crunchier texture, you can add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Use different chocolate: Try using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of chocolate types for a twist on the classic flavor.
Make them smaller: If you prefer bite-sized cookies, simply use a smaller spoon to scoop the dough and reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
Flavored dough: For an extra flavor kick, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Simply store the cooled cookies in a ziplock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, butter gives the cookies a better flavor and texture. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute white sugar with coconut sugar or other alternatives, but it may slightly alter the texture and taste of the cookies.

3. Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking can help prevent spreading and result in thicker cookies.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend is suitable for baking and contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.

5. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If the dough is too warm or the butter was melted, the cookies may spread more than desired. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

6. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chunks will give you larger pockets of melted chocolate, which can be a delicious alternative.

7. How can I make these cookies chewier?

To make chewier cookies, try using more brown sugar than white sugar and underbake them slightly so the center remains soft.

8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

9. How do I prevent cookies from being too hard?

Overbaking is a common cause of hard cookies. Be sure to take the cookies out of the oven when they are just golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more cookies. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets and possibly bake in batches.

Conclusion

These easy chocolate chip cookies are perfect for anyone craving a homemade treat. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can bake up a batch of delicious cookies that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them soft and chewy or crisp and golden, this classic recipe will always satisfy your sweet tooth.

Chef MARTHA