Few things in life are as comforting as a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. With crispy edges, a soft and chewy center, and melty pools of rich chocolate, this classic treat never fails to bring a smile. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cozy evening, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies hit all the right notes.

What makes these chocolate chip cookies stand out is their perfect balance of flavor and texture. The buttery dough, brown sugar depth, and generous scatter of chocolate chips create a delightful bite every time. They’re nostalgic, they’re indulgent, and they’re incredibly easy to make — no fancy tools or ingredients required. Let’s get you baking!

Ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create that perfect soft and chewy texture in your cookies.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This builds the rich flavor foundation of your cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — that can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and chopped nuts if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Try not to snack on too much dough — we know, it’s tempting!

Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For even thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This also helps deepen the flavor and prevent spreading.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) and place them 2 inches apart on the sheet.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook as they cool on the tray.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up with that ideal soft center and crispy edge. Serve warm or store once fully cooled.

Storage Instructions

To keep your chocolate chip cookies tasting fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain softness.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them raw. Bake straight from frozen, just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Estimated Nutrition (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)

Calories: 210
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 90mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my cookies extra chewy?

Using more brown sugar than white sugar and not overbaking are key! Also, chilling the dough helps retain moisture.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavor.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

Chopped chocolate bars, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruits work great as variations.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

It could be due to overly soft or melted butter. Chill the dough before baking to help control spreading.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Use a cookie scoop for even portions and gently swirl a round cookie cutter around each cookie right after baking to reshape.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 72 hours, or freeze it for longer storage.

Do I need to line my baking sheet?

Lining with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.