Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You'll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything a classic homemade cookie should be—golden around the edges, soft and chewy in the center, buttery, and packed with plenty of melty chocolate chips. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives them the perfect balance of chewiness and crispness.

They're easy enough for beginner bakers and delicious enough to become a family favorite. Enjoy them warm from the oven with a glass of milk, or make a batch ahead of time and keep them ready for whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

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 bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.

6. Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using. Reserve a few chocolate chips for pressing onto the tops of the cookies after baking.

7. Scoop the Cookies

Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake

Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers still look slightly soft.

9. Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops while they're still warm, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

Use room-temperature butter for a smooth cookie dough. Measure the flour carefully to avoid dry cookies, and don't overmix after adding the flour. Slightly underbake the cookies so the centers remain soft and chewy. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage

Store Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Cookie dough can also be scooped into portions and frozen for up to 3 months, then baked directly from frozen with an extra 1 to 2 minutes of baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with cold milk, coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. For an indulgent dessert, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies or serve warm cookies with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Recipe Variations

Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination of chips. Add chopped walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut, toffee bits, pretzels, dried cranberries, or peanut butter chips. Sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt over the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty finish.