There’s a universal charm in the smell of fresh cookies filling a home, inviting everyone to gather around and share a delightful moment. No matter your level of baking experience, making classic chocolate chip cookies is a simple, rewarding activity. This recipe focuses on a straightforward approach to achieving deliciously chewy, soft-centered cookies with a slightly crispy edge—perfect for any occasion. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy warm cookies fresh from the oven in no time.
Whether it’s a weekend treat, a holiday staple, or a cozy rainy-day activity, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to anyone who tastes these delightful cookies. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that allows room for your personal touch, whether you like to add nuts, use dark chocolate chunks, or experiment with other flavors.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (or preferred mix-ins)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later. - Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure everything is thoroughly mixed. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir gently, only mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cookie. - Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, or any preferred mix-ins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Portion Out the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. - Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. If you prefer a crispier cookie, add an additional minute or two. - Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Presentation:
Present these cookies on a decorative platter or in a jar for a charming look. Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances their sweetness and gives a lovely contrast that elevates each bite. These cookies are perfect paired with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate, making them a hit at any gathering or as a quick homemade gift.
In just half an hour, you can have a batch of delicious, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies ready to share or savor at home. This recipe is forgiving, allowing you to experiment with various ingredients to customize the flavor to your liking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these cookies bring out the joy of baking something simple yet universally loved.
There’s truly nothing quite like biting into a warm, chewy cookie with gooey chocolate in every bite. These classic cookies are more than a treat—they’re a cozy experience that brings people together. So gather your ingredients, get the oven going, and enjoy the irresistible aroma that will fill your home with warmth and sweetness. Enjoy your homemade cookies and the smiles they’re sure to bring to everyone who tries them!