Description

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your home. These classic treats evoke memories of childhood, warm kitchens, and moments of joy shared with loved ones. This recipe for easy chocolate chip cookies is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, providing a foolproof way to achieve golden-brown, soft, and chewy cookies with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It uses pantry staples and requires minimal preparation, yet it yields cookies that taste like they came from a bakery. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy weekend at home, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will always hit the spot.

Ingredients

• For the cookie dough:
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• For the mix-ins:
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)

Preparation Method

Prepare the dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so take your time.

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the dough. Stir just until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) with a spatula to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.

Shape and bake the cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Conclusion

For bakery-style cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step enhances the flavor and helps prevent excessive spreading.

If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for an additional 1–2 minutes. For softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and leave them on the baking sheet for a few extra minutes to finish cooking with residual heat.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm, melty cookies anytime.
Baking these easy chocolate chip cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy. The combination of crisp edges, soft centers, and rich chocolate makes them irresistible.

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee for the ultimate indulgence. And if you’re in the mood to explore, try adding different mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

Looking for more sweet inspiration? Check out our collection of decadent desserts and quick baking ideas to satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!