The Ultimate Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy & Perfect Every Time

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your home. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or just because — these classic chocolate chip cookies hit the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolate goodness. If you’ve ever struggled to get your cookies just right or want to master the ultimate recipe, you’re in the right place. This recipe, packed with tips and tricks, will give you bakery-level cookies that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar (light or dark works)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix 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 bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 3-4 minutes. This step helps create soft, chewy cookies.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts if using): Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts until evenly distributed.
7. Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
8. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly undercooked — this ensures a soft and chewy center.
9. Cool on sheets: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This resting time lets them set perfectly.

Tips for Making Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking activates gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough if you have time: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes to an hour helps prevent spreading and boosts flavor development.
• Use high-quality chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks with a minimum of 60% cocoa enrich the flavor.
• Adjust baking time for size: Larger cookies may need 1-2 minutes longer, while smaller ones bake faster.
• Try different mix-ins: Mix white chocolate chips, toffee bits, dried fruit, or nuts for fun variations.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies are often caused by using too much butter, butter that’s too melted, or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, measure flour correctly (spoon & level), and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

How do I get chewy cookies instead of cakey?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, which adds moisture and chewiness. Also, baking until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft helps maintain a chewy texture. Avoid overbaking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

For vegan cookies, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use egg replacers like flax eggs. For gluten-free, use a trusted gluten-free flour blend — results may vary slightly.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them soft the next day, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough balls out, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

This classic chocolate chip cookie recipe is a failsafe crowd-pleaser and a must-have in your baking repertoire. The combination of rich butter, brown sugar, and melty chocolate chips creates that perfect chewy, flavorful bite everyone loves. Remember the tips to tweak texture and flavor to your liking, and don’t shy away from fun variations. Whether you share these cookies with family, bring them to a potluck, or indulge solo with a glass of milk, they’re sure to become an instant favorite.

Ready to bake your own batch of ultimate chocolate chip cookies? Pin this recipe and bookmark it for any time you crave cookie magic in your kitchen. Happy baking!