There’s something magical about a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven. It’s the sweet aroma that fills the kitchen, the crackle of golden-brown edges, and the melty chocolate that clings to your fingers. Whether you grew up baking with a parent, sneaking cookie dough from the bowl, or simply treating yourself to a midnight snack, the classic chocolate chip cookie is pure comfort in every bite.
And this recipe? It’s the ultimate version crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and packed with gooey chocolate chips.
If you’re looking for a foolproof cookie recipe that’s both nostalgic and bakery-quality, you’ve found it.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on size.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar (for chewiness)
- ½ cup white granulated sugar (for crispy edges)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks, mini chips, or a mix)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Sugar Tip:
Using more brown sugar gives a softer, chewier cookie thanks to its moisture content. A higher ratio of white sugar will result in crisper cookies. This recipe strikes a balance for that iconic crispy-outside, soft-inside texture.
Chocolate Tip:
Chunks melt into pockets of gooey chocolate, chips hold their shape better, and minis spread more evenly throughout. Use whatever you love or a combo of all three.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using) with a spatula.
5. Chill the Dough
Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling helps the flavors deepen and prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Scoop and Space
Scoop 1½ to 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Pro Tip: Roll the dough balls slightly taller than wide to encourage that soft, thick center.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just slightly underdone.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook a bit as they rest on the hot tray, so take them out while the centers are still soft for maximum chewiness.
Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Twists
- Sea salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie right after baking for a sweet-salty pop.
- Caramel bits: Stir in ½ cup for a gooey twist.
- Toasted coconut: Add ½ cup for a nutty flavor.
- Espresso powder: A teaspoon intensifies the chocolate flavor.
How to Serve
- Warm with a glass of cold milk
- Crumbled over ice cream
- As part of a cookie sandwich with your favorite frosting or ice cream
- Wrapped in a cozy napkin for gifting
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies soft.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough directly just add 1–2 extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason chocolate chip cookies have never gone out of style. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and a little bit magical. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a cozy night in, or just because, this ultimate chocolate chip cookies recipe will deliver every single time.
Happy baking! Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.