Is there anything more comforting than a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven? This Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is the one you'll turn to again and again—it’s everything you want in a cookie: golden edges, soft chewy centers, and rich melty chocolate in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a school bake sale, or just because it’s Tuesday, these cookies deliver that irresistible homemade goodness every time. No complicated steps, no weird ingredients—just pure cookie perfection.
Why These Are the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
✅ Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside
✅ Buttery, rich flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and salty
✅ Loaded with chocolate chips in every bite
✅ Simple pantry ingredients
✅ Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
How to Make Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
1. Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add to the wet mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips
1. Fold in the chocolate chips. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (optional but recommended for thicker cookies).
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and space 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
4. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional: sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm.
Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
💡 Chill the dough for extra thick cookies.
💡 Use a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate chips for deeper flavor.
💡 Don’t overbake—cookies continue to bake on the hot tray even after being removed from the oven.
💡 Freeze extra dough balls for quick cookies anytime.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Why chill the dough?
It helps control spread and enhances flavor by hydrating the flour and allowing the sugars to settle.
How should I store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days. They freeze beautifully too.
Final Thoughts
These Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies hit the sweet spot between nostalgic comfort and bakery-level goodness. Easy enough for beginners, yet perfect enough to please any cookie snob. Make a batch today—and maybe a double batch, because they disappear fast!
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your cookie creations! 🍪