Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, look no further than these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine golden edges that give way to chewy centers, melty puddles of chocolate in every bite, and a home filled with the sweet, comforting aroma that instantly transports you to happier times. This recipe is the stuff of cookie dreams—timeless, satisfying, and guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face (including yours!).

Ingredients You’ll Need
The real magic of the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their simplicity—every ingredient has a unique job that helps create those irresistible cookies we all love. Each element brings something special to the table, whether it’s depth of flavor, ideal texture, or pure, buttery richness.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): This is the secret to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture; always use real butter for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount in the oven.
- Packed Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Gives a subtle molasses flavor and ensures a soft, chewy center.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and keep your cookies tender.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A must for that unforgettable bakery-style aroma and taste—don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour (2¼ cups): This is the backbone, creating the cookie’s structure so they don’t flatten too much.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Provides lift and helps create those perfect golden edges.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups, or a mix of chips and chunks): The star of the show; use quality chocolate for the ultimate gooey, dreamy effect.
- Optional Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (½ cup): For those who love a little crunch and nuttiness in every bite.
How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures you get an even bake with perfectly crisp edges. Take a moment to line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this little step saves you from sticky cleanups and prevents overbrowned bottoms.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This process incorporates tiny air bubbles, giving the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies that coveted melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, letting its warm notes infuse the dough with that classic cookie shop flavor. At this point, your dough smells irresistible—don’t rush it!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your cookies tough instead of chewy and soft, which is key to the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Switch to a spatula or sturdy spoon and gently fold in the chocolate chips, and nuts if using, making sure every bit of dough is dotted with plenty of chocolate goodness. This step is where the simple dough transforms into a chocolate-studded masterpiece!
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball for cookies that bake up thick and gorgeous. Space them at least 2 inches apart, so they have room to spread just the right amount.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes. You want to see golden-brown edges and slightly underbaked centers. Trust the process—the cookies will finish setting as they cool, making for an irresistibly soft center that defines the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack. This bit of patience allows the cookies to set up perfectly, making them easy to handle and even easier to devour.
How to Serve Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes
For a quick bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle your still-warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This little touch highlights the chocolate and creates an irresistible sweet-salty bite. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for special occasions or gifting.
Side Dishes
Of course, these cookies shine all on their own, but they’re also fantastic alongside a frosty glass of milk or a creamy latte. For dessert platters at gatherings, pair them with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a mug of steaming hot cocoa for the ultimate comfort combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a tower of cookies and tie them with baker’s twine for a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, serve the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in rustic jars or arrange them on a tiered stand with mini tongs. You can even create “cookie sandwiches” by spreading ice cream or hazelnut spread between two cookies—pure bliss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay delightfully soft for up to 4–5 days. If you like, toss a slice of bread into the container—the cookies “borrow” moisture from the bread to maintain their stellar texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh from the oven anytime, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and stash in the freezer for up to three months. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time, and you’re golden!
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes or give them a 10-second zap in the microwave. This wakes up the chocolate and brings back some of that just-baked softness we all adore.
FAQs
Why do my cookies turn out flat?
Usually, flat cookies come from butter that’s too soft or even melted, or from not chilling the dough. Try making sure your butter is just softened and that you don’t overwork the dough. For extra-thick cookies, pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, absolutely! If you use salted butter for your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, simply reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep flavors balanced. The finished cookies will have a slightly saltier edge, which some folks love.
How do I get gooey centers every time?
Baking for just 9–10 minutes and removing the cookies while the centers look underdone is the trick. The residual heat will finish the job as they cool, giving you that dreamy, gooey texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies can be made up to 48 hours in advance and chilled. The flavors even get better as they rest, and you’ll end up with thicker, more flavorful cookies.
What’s the best way to measure flour for cookies?
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and lead to denser cookies.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—everything you need to bake (and enjoy) the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. I absolutely can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see for yourself just how magical homemade cookies can be. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share… or not—we won’t judge!
PrintBest Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
These Best Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic favorite, with a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures and loaded with rich chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of chips and chunks)
Optional:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the Dough: Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly underbaked (they’ll firm up as they cool).
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, dessert, baking, homemade cookies