Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Introduction

There are few things more nostalgic and comforting than the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the kitchen. These cookies are golden brown on the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and studded with melty chocolate chips that make every bite irresistible.

The chocolate chip cookie is a true American classic, first created by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s at the Toll House Inn. Since then, it has become a household staple across the globe. Whether enjoyed warm with a glass of milk, tucked into lunchboxes, or served at family gatherings, these cookies never go out of style.

This recipe is all about balance—crispy edges, chewy middles, buttery flavor, and just the right sweetness. It’s simple, foolproof, and results in the perfect batch every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it represents comfort, joy, and home-baked goodness. The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a caramel-like richness, while the chocolate chips melt into pockets of sweetness that make the cookie so satisfying.

I also love how versatile it is. You can make the dough ahead of time, freeze it for later, or bake just a few cookies at once. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Most of all, these cookies are crowd-pleasers. Whether for kids, adults, or guests, nobody can resist a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

  • It’s classic and timeless—everyone should have a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe.
  • It delivers the perfect texture: crispy edges + chewy center.
  • It’s easy to make with pantry staples.
  • It’s endlessly customizable with mix-ins.

If you only bake one cookie recipe in your life, this should be the one.

Recipe Information

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time (optional for best results): 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 30–40 minutes (without chilling)
  • Servings: About 24 cookies
  • Calories per Cookie: ~200 kcal
  • Course: Dessert, Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Cooking Directions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips

  1. Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
  2. For thicker cookies, cover dough and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes (optional but recommended).

Step 4: Shape and Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Scoop dough into 1 ½-tbsp balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are slightly soft.
  5. Cool on baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

How to Serve

  • Serve warm with a glass of milk.
  • Pair with ice cream for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
  • Pack in cookie tins for gifts or holidays.

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overbake: Cookies continue cooking slightly on the sheet after removal.
  • Chill the dough: This helps cookies bake thicker with chewier centers.
  • Use room temperature butter: Ensures proper creaming with sugars.
  • Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.

Variations

  • Double Chocolate: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour mixture.
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Replace ½ cup butter with ½ cup peanut butter.
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup rolled oats to the dough.
  • Salted Caramel: Drizzle baked cookies with caramel and sprinkle with sea salt.
  • White Chocolate & Cranberry: Replace chips with white chocolate and dried cranberries.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing Dough: Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time. Keeps up to 3 months.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in airtight container for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a tradition, a comfort, and a guaranteed way to bring smiles. With their buttery richness, chewy texture, and gooey chocolate, they’re a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Simple, timeless, and endlessly customizable, these cookies truly deserve their spot as the most beloved cookie in the world.

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Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins
Calories: 200 kcal per serving

Description

There are few things more nostalgic and comforting than the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the kitchen.

Ingredients

Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
  2. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  3. Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). For thicker cookies, cover dough and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes (optional but recommended).
  4. Step 4: Shape and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1 ½-tbsp balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are slightly soft. Cool on baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Keywords: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A: Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can work with slight differences.

Q: Why did my cookies turn flat?

A: Butter may have been too soft, or the dough wasn’t chilled. Adding a little more flour can also help.

Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?

A: Absolutely! Dark, milk, or even chunks instead of chips all work beautifully.

Q: Do I need to chill the dough?

A: Not required, but it improves texture and prevents spreading.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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