Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Deliciously soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Few things are as universally loved as the humble chocolate chip cookie. This recipe is designed to produce the best chocolate chip cookies you'll ever taste—crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle, and packed with gooey chocolate chips. The secret lies in the balance of ingredients and the perfect baking time. Over the years, chocolate chip cookies have become a staple in American homes, often enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk. The texture and flavor are unparalleled, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Nutrition

Calories: ~200 calories per cookie

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside.
3. Combine Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, granulated sugar, light-brown sugar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined, about 1 minute.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour mixture, and beat until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
7. Scoop Dough: Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Space each about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake until cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center, about 10 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
9. Cool Cookies: Remove from oven, and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat. For softer cookies, store them in an airtight container with a slice of white bread; the moisture from the bread will keep the cookies soft. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake cookies fresh whenever the craving strikes. Happy baking!