There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling your kitchen. These Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of comfort food – soft, chewy, and packed with rich, melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe delivers perfect cookies every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate sweet indulgence. The combination of soft, chewy centers with crisp edges, and gooey pockets of melted chocolate makes them irresistible. The recipe is simple to follow and uses basic ingredients, yet the result is a batch of cookies that are the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you like your cookies soft and chewy or a little crispier, this recipe offers versatility. Plus, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to an afternoon snack with a glass of milk.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

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

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and shape: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. For slightly softer cookies, bake for less time; for crispier cookies, bake a little longer.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Serve: Enjoy your warm, freshly baked classic chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies, depending on size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Stir in 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or any nuts of your choice for added crunch and flavor.
Dark Chocolate: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Double the chocolate: Add both chocolate chips and chopped chocolate bars for extra chocolatey goodness.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough for a chewy twist on the classic cookie.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?

While brown sugar gives the cookies their chewy texture and rich flavor, you can substitute it with more granulated sugar if needed. However, the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

2. How can I make my cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and make sure to underbake them slightly so they stay soft in the center.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is the best option for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be a bit different.

4. Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips, or even a combination of these. Each variety will give your cookies a different flavor profile.

5. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes before baking, and ensure that your baking sheets are not too warm. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough.

6. Can I freeze the dough to bake later?

Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can add dried fruit, toffee bits, or even crushed candies like M&Ms for a fun twist.

8. Can I make gluten-free chocolate chip cookies?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check that the baking soda and chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.

9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works just as well for mixing the dough. Just make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly, especially when creaming the butter and sugars.

10. How can I make my cookies thicker?

If you prefer thicker cookies, add a little more flour to the dough (about 1/4 cup) or chill the dough before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Conclusion

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless favorite that everyone loves. With their soft and chewy texture, melty chocolate chips, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a treat for yourself, or a snack for the family, this recipe will give you cookies that are sure to please. So grab your ingredients and start baking these irresistible cookies today!