These chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate chunks! Perfect for a snack or dessert, they give you that warm, homey feeling with every bite.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of cookies baking? I always make a double batch because they vanish so fast—it’s like magic when they’re fresh out of the oven! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for controlling salt levels. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil, but it may change the flavor slightly. In a pinch, margarine works too—just note it’s less rich.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives cookies a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Coconut sugar could be an alternative for a lower glycemic index!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard here, but you can swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just use a little less, as whole wheat can absorb more liquid.
Chocolate Chips: While semisweet is traditional, feel free to try dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips based on your taste. You can also use white chocolate, but remember it’s sweeter. For a fun twist, add in some nuts or oats!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Chewy?
To keep your chocolate chip cookies perfectly chewy, watch the baking time closely! Aim for a golden edge but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Use room-temperature ingredients to help them blend nicely.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough; mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Let the dough chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
These simple steps will keep your cookies soft and chewy, just the way we love them!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and then about 8-10 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool for a few minutes after baking! You’ll have lovely, warm cookies ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and looks creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg until everything is fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter-sugar mixture. Stir until combined, but don’t over-mix—keeping some small lumps is okay!
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time for the chocolate! Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Yum!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be golden brown, but the centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook a little after you take them out.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container for later!
This recipe creates classic, chewy chocolate chip cookies with slightly crisp edges and plenty of melty chocolate chunks! Perfect for sharing—or not!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type will bring a unique flavor profile to your cookies!
How Can I Make My Cookies Chewier?
For chewier cookies, be sure to avoid over-mixing the dough, and consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and results in a softer texture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the dough thaw in the fridge before baking it!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also add a slice of bread to the container—it helps maintain moisture!