Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Easy, Soft & Chewy Classic Cookies

Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on a wooden board

Chocolate chip cookies recipe is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who loves the nostalgic comfort of warm, freshly baked cookies, this recipe is for you. I still recall the first time I baked chocolate chip cookies—it was messy but magical. Over the years, this chocolate chip cookies recipe has become my favorite because it’s simple, forgiving, and yields soft, chewy cookies loaded with gooey chocolate chips. In this article, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, tips, and secrets to make the perfect batch every time.

From mixing the dough to pulling those golden cookies from the oven, this chocolate chip cookies recipe will help you bake with confidence and joy.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Easy, Soft & Chewy Classic Cookies


  • Author: Anna
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 36 cookies 1x

Description

This classic chocolate chip cookies recipe produces soft, chewy cookies loaded with gooey chocolate chips. Easy to follow and perfect for beginners, these cookies bake up golden brown with a rich buttery flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup salted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 2 large eggs

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

  • 2 cups chocolate chips (12 oz)


Instructions

Instructions:

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

  3. Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.

  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  6. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.

  7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly soft.

  9. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.

  • If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

 

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them moist longer.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, homemade cookies, soft cookies, Brown sugar, chocolate chips, eggs, baking soda, baking

The Story Behind the Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Why This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Is Close to My Heart


Chocolate chip cookies recipe isn’t just a mix of ingredients—it’s a doorway to warm memories and simple pleasures. I remember the first time I attempted baking chocolate chip cookies; my kitchen was covered in flour, and the dough was sticky everywhere. Despite the mess, the smell of baking cookies was comforting and made me feel connected to family traditions. This recipe quickly became a favorite because it’s easy to follow and produces soft, chewy cookies that everyone loves. If you’re just starting to bake, this chocolate chip cookies recipe will make you feel right at home in the kitchen.

What Makes This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe So Classic and Beloved


The charm of this chocolate chip cookies recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Using both granulated and brown sugar creates a perfect combination of sweetness and chewiness, while the vanilla extract and sea salt add depth. The secret is in the butter’s richness and the eggs’ moisture, which together make cookies that aren’t too dry or greasy. With generous chocolate chips in every bite, this recipe delivers a bakery-quality cookie you can make at home. Plus, it’s forgiving enough to accommodate small tweaks as you get comfortable baking.

Ingredients and Prep for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Key Ingredients You Need for a Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


The foundation of any great chocolate chip cookies recipe lies in its ingredients. You’ll need softened salted butter, both granulated and light brown sugars for the right balance of sweetness and chewiness, pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, and two large eggs for moisture and structure. The dry ingredients— all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt—work together to create a tender crumb and the perfect rise. Finally, don’t skimp on the chocolate chips; using a full two cups ensures every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness. Quality ingredients make a huge difference, so try to use fresh baking powder and good-quality chocolate chips.

How to Prep Ingredients and Tools to Make Baking Smooth and Fun


Before you start mixing, set yourself up for success by prepping all ingredients. Softening the butter to room temperature helps it cream smoothly with the sugars, which is key to a light, fluffy dough. Measure your flour carefully—too much can make cookies dry—using a spoon and level method rather than scooping directly. Have your baking sheets ready and lined with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Preheating the oven to the right temperature before you begin mixing ensures your cookies bake evenly. Taking these prep steps will make the baking process easier and more enjoyable, especially if you’re new to making chocolate chip cookies.

Baking Tips for Soft and Moist Chocolate Chip Cookies

Secrets to Moist Chocolate Chip Cookies: Butter, Eggs, and Baking Time


The key to moist, tender chocolate chip cookies starts with the right balance of butter and eggs. Using softened salted butter ensures your dough has enough fat to create that rich, chewy texture everyone loves. Eggs add moisture and help bind the ingredients, so don’t skip them or substitute without care. Baking soda and baking powder also work together to give the cookies a light rise while maintaining softness. Watch your baking time closely—cookies usually bake perfectly in about 10 to 12 minutes. Pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in a soft center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies


One common mistake is overmixing the dough, which can develop too much gluten and make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined. Another pitfall is overbaking; leaving cookies in the oven too long will dry them out, so set a timer and check early. Using cold butter instead of softened can cause uneven texture, and not measuring flour correctly can make cookies crumbly or dense. Finally, don’t skip chilling the dough if your kitchen is warm—it helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookie shape intact.

Serving, Storing, and Enjoying Your Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Plate of chocolate chip cookies served with milk

Best Ways to Serve Your Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


Chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm, right out of the oven. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. You can also use them as a base for cookie sandwiches filled with frosting or peanut butter. If you’re bringing cookies to a gathering, arranging them on a pretty plate or in a decorative tin adds a special touch that makes the treat feel even more inviting. Serving your cookies with a smile is the secret ingredient to making every bite taste better.

How to Store Cookies to Keep Them Fresh Longer


To keep your chocolate chip cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to extend their shelf life, placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture and prevents the cookies from drying out. For longer storage, freezing the cookies works well—just let them cool completely before freezing in a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven for that freshly baked taste. Proper storage means you can savor this chocolate chip cookies recipe whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

This chocolate chip cookies recipe is a timeless favorite that’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress everyone. With just a few quality ingredients and some easy baking tips, you can create soft, chewy cookies loaded with chocolate chips every time. Remember, baking is a joyful process—don’t stress if things aren’t perfect on your first try. Each batch is a chance to learn and enjoy the sweet rewards. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and bake up some happiness with this classic chocolate chip cookies recipe. You’ve got this!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

What are the ingredients of chocolate chip cookies?

This classic chocolate chip cookies recipe uses softened salted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, large eggs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and plenty of chocolate chips. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

What is the secret to moist cookies?

The secret to moist cookies lies in using the right amount of butter and eggs, and baking the cookies just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Using a combination of granulated and brown sugar also helps keep the cookies tender and chewy.

Are chocolate chip cookies better with butter or oil?

Butter is preferred in this recipe because it adds rich flavor and helps create the classic chewy texture. Oil tends to make cookies softer but can change the flavor and structure, so butter is the better choice for traditional chocolate chip cookies.

What does adding an extra egg do to chocolate chip cookies?

Adding an extra egg increases moisture and richness, which can make cookies softer and chewier. However, too many eggs may cause cookies to spread too much or become cakey, so it’s best to stick with the recommended two eggs in this recipe for optimal texture.

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