Best chocolate chip cookies Recipe
Craving the ultimate chocolate chip cookie? These cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver that bakery-style cookie right from your own oven—perfect for dunking in milk or sharing with friends and family. Whether you love chewy cookies or just want that rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are sure to hit the sweet spot.
Ingredients List
Cookie Ingredients
3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (212 g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
1 1/4 cups (210 g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (or roughly chopped chocolate)
Required Kitchen Tools
Baking cookies is a joy when you have the right tools on hand. For this recipe, I use:
Stand or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mixing Bowls: I prefer medium and large bowls to separate wet and dry ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements make all the difference in cookie texture.
Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper, these prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Cooling Rack: Essential for letting the cookies cool and maintain their perfect texture.
Having these tools ready makes baking smoother and ensures consistent results.
Cookie Dough Preparation
Getting the dough just right is key to perfect chocolate chip cookies. Here’s how I prepare mine:
Mixing the Ingredients
I start by creaming the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, I add the egg and yolk, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Finally, I fold in the chocolate chips, making sure each cookie will have a generous amount of chocolate in every bite.
Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For thicker cookies, I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances their chewy texture.
Shaping the Cookies
To shape my cookies, I follow these simple steps:
Scoop the Dough: I use a cookie scoop or two spoons to portion out even balls of dough, roughly 2 tablespoons each.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: I place the dough balls 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Add a Sprinkle of Salt: Just before baking, I like to sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top for a sweet-and-salty balance.
This method ensures each cookie is perfectly uniform and evenly baked.
Baking the Cookies
Oven Temperature and Timing
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). Baking time is usually around 10–12 minutes, but I keep a close eye on them. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. I like to slightly underbake them for that irresistible chewy texture.
Once baked, I transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. They firm up slightly as they cool, giving that perfect soft-yet-chewy bite.
Serving and Decoration
Optional Toppings
For extra flair, I sometimes:
Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the warm cookies.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a double chocolate treat.
Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
These simple touches elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie without complicating the recipe.
Storage Instructions
Keeping Cookies Fresh
I store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layering parchment paper between cookies prevents sticking and keeps them soft.
Freezing Cookies
For longer storage, I freeze the unbaked cookie dough in portions. They can be baked straight from the freezer with just an extra minute or two of baking time, giving fresh cookies anytime I crave them.
Conclusion
Mastering this chocolate chip cookie recipe has been a game-changer for me. From soft, chewy centers to chocolate-loaded bites, these cookies satisfy every sweet craving. With precise measurements, quality ingredients, and a touch of patience, anyone can achieve bakery-style cookies at home. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every bite. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and let’s make the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted.
