The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are everything you could want in a chocolate chip cookie: rich, soft, and full of flavor. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and just the right amount of sea salt creates the perfect chewy texture. And the best part? The cookies stay perfectly doughy on the inside while being fully cooked on the outside. With minimal prep and no chilling required, this recipe is perfect for when you’re craving fresh cookies in no time!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup salted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 cups chocolate chips (12 oz)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Form the Cookies: Roll 2-3 tablespoons of dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets.

Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. The cookies should just be beginning to turn golden brown at the edges but still look soft in the middle.

Cool: Allow the cookies to sit on the baking pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 36 cookies (2 tablespoons of dough per cookie)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Dough Size: For larger or smaller cookies, adjust the dough ball size accordingly. Larger cookies will need a slightly longer bake time.

Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and egg substitutes (like flax eggs) for a vegan version.

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat.

Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), toffee bits, or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating: If the cookies become a little too soft or chewy after storing, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2-3 minutes to freshen them up.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, if you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt (around ¼ teaspoon) to balance the flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, there’s no chilling required for this recipe! You can bake the cookies right away.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give the cookies a richer, less sweet flavor. Feel free to use your preferred type of chocolate.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version, but it may alter the texture a bit.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze the dough?

Yes, you can roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before storing them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.

How can I make these cookies extra chewy?

For extra chewy cookies, make sure not to over-bake them. The key is to remove them from the oven while they’re still soft in the middle.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer if you don’t have a stand mixer. Just be sure to mix until the dough is fully combined.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the center is still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 36 cookies if you roll 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.

Conclusion

This is truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever. With no fancy ingredients or lengthy preparation, you can make a batch of irresistibly delicious cookies that are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Enjoy!

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