
The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible
Looking for the ultimate chocolate chip cookies recipe? These soft and chewy cookies are packed with gooey chocolate chips and a buttery flavor that will make you fall in love with every bite. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create the perfect homemade treat!
Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (350g) semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup (50g) chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) with a spatula to evenly distribute them.
7. Shape and Bake
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly underbaked.
8. Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when the centers are still soft.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Customize Your Cookies: Add white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a unique twist.
FAQs for Chocolate Chip Cookie Lovers
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and then store them in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Perfectly balanced for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite mix-ins or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, holiday gifts, or simply enjoying with family and friends.
These homemade chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe. Bake a batch today and share your delicious results in the comments below. Happy baking!