Chocolate chip cookies are the very first thing I ever baked with my grandma when I was little and I can still remember how proud I felt pulling that warm tray out of the oven. We didn’t follow a fancy recipe just simple ingredients mixed by hand and the smell of melted chocolate and vanilla filled the kitchen with comfort and joy that’s stuck with me ever since.

Over time I’ve played with the ratios and textures until I found the version that makes everyone in my house swoon. These cookies are soft in the center with just the right crisp on the edge and they’re full of rich chocolate chips that melt perfectly into the golden dough making each bite pure bliss.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Unsalted butter – Creates a soft chewy center and rich flavor
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and deep caramel notes
Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and helps with that light crisp edge
Eggs – Bind everything together and add richness
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and enhances the chocolate
All-purpose flour – Gives the dough structure and balance
Baking soda – Helps the cookies spread just enough
Salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor
Chocolate chips – The star of the show adding gooey melty goodness in every bite

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients and one for dry
Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugars easier
Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy in every step
Spatula – Perfect for folding in those chocolate chips
Baking sheet – The surface where these cookies turn golden brown
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and helps even baking
Cookie scoop – Makes portioning the dough quick and even
Cooling rack – Helps the cookies cool without getting soggy bottoms

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 350°F to make sure it’s ready as soon as my dough is scooped.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl I cream together the softened butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a mixer.

Step 3:

Then I add in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract and beat until everything is well combined.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl I whisk together the flour baking soda and salt then gradually add it to the wet mixture mixing on low speed just until combined.

Step 5:

I gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula making sure they’re evenly distributed without overworking the dough.

Step 6:

Using a cookie scoop I drop even balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet leaving space between each one because they’ll spread a little.

Step 7:

I bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are just golden and the centers still look slightly soft because they’ll finish baking on the tray.

Step 8:

After letting them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes I transfer them to a cooling rack and try to resist eating them all at once!

Tips

If you want thick bakery-style cookies I chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. I also sometimes add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before they go in the oven for a sweet-salty bite. For extra gooeyness I press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each dough ball right before baking.

Ways to Serve

These chocolate chip cookies are perfect on their own or with a cold glass of milk. I also love sandwiching them with ice cream for a quick dessert or crumbling them over yogurt or pudding for a sweet crunchy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. Just thaw and bake or warm up before serving.

Why did my Chocolate Chip Cookies spread too much?

That usually means the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough so try chilling for 30 minutes next time.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Definitely! Mix in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chunks for different textures and flavors.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you bake a batch of these Chocolate Chip Cookies soon because they really are the perfect anytime treat. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself they’re sure to bring smiles and sweet memories to your day.

Happy Cooking!