Hey y'all! There’s nothing quite like the warm, nostalgic aroma of Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies baking in the oven. These cookies are golden on the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, after-school snacks, or just a sweet treat anytime, this recipe never fails to please. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Easy and quick to prepare, using common pantry ingredients.
- Soft, chewy centers with perfectly crisp edges for the best texture.
- Loaded with chocolate chips for rich, melty goodness in every bite.
- Customizable with mix-ins or alternative flours to suit your taste.
- Perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients for Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How to Make Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm for maximum gooeyness!
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Notes
- For extra bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for thicker, chewier results (learn more about chilling dough).
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for richer flavor. Brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard are especially delicious.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake for an extra minute or two, watching carefully to avoid overbrowning.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
- Double Chocolate: Swap ⅓ cup flour for unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts and add extra chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (see gluten-free tips).
Equipment Needed for Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Wire cooling rack
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Storage Instructions
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Cookie dough can be frozen in scoops for quick, on-demand baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
- Make ice cream cookie sandwiches with your favorite ice cream flavors.
- Pair with hot coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon snack.
Pro Tips for the Best Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- For picture-perfect cookies, press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each dough ball before baking.
- Don’t overbake—cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out; they’ll set as they cool (find more baking tips).
- Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and the softest texture.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
- Why did my cookies turn out flat?
- This can happen if your butter was too soft or melted. Try chilling the dough before baking next time.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Absolutely! Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
3In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
-
4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
-
5Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
6Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!