Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: A Homemade Sweet Treat

Baking warm chocolate chip cookies in your kitchen brings pure comfort and joy.

These classic chocolate chip cookies deliver a perfect blend of crispy edges and soft, gooey centers.

chocolate lovers will adore the rich, buttery dough studded with melted chocolate morsels.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch and sweet, nostalgic flavor that transports you back to childhood memories.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a treat that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.

Golden-brown and sprinkled with just the right amount of chocolate chips, these cookies are guaranteed to become your new favorite dessert.

Prepare to indulge in a timeless recipe that never fails to bring smiles.

Why These Chocolate Chip Cookies Hit the Sweet Spot

  • Craft delectable chocolate chip cookies with minimal culinary expertise, making it a perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
  • Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties, from semi-sweet to milk chocolate, allowing you to personalize the flavor profile to your taste preferences.
  • These cookies are a universal favorite, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, school events, or simply satisfying those sweet tooth cravings with a classic dessert.
  • The optional chilling step provides versatility, letting you prepare the dough in advance or bake immediately, adapting to your schedule and time constraints.

What You’ll Need to Bake Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich and creamy base that provides essential moisture and flavor to the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet components that contribute to the cookies' soft texture and caramelized taste.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cookie dough together and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the cookie's overall taste.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the cookies their classic texture.
  • Cornstarch: A secret ingredient that helps create a softer, more tender cookie.
  • Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Salt: A flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the other ingredients' flavors.
Chocolate and Mix-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips that provide bursts of rich, sweet flavor throughout the cookie. The star ingredient that makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.

How to Make Classic Cookies With Rich Flavor

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your oven runs hot, dial it down to 360 degrees to achieve those perfectly crisp edges.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Cold butter (cubed)
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Blend these ingredients for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a dreamy base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Liquid Goodness

Pour in:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix for an additional minute, watching the dough transform into a smooth, fragrant mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 4: Introduce Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Stir until just combined.

The key is to avoid over-mixing, keeping the dough soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate Magic

Fold in your favorite chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Go wild with semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a delightful mix.

Step 6: Chill or Prepare for Baking

For maximum flavor, wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Short on time?

No worries!

Scoop the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 8 to 11 minutes.

Watch for those golden edges – they’re your signal that cookie magic is happening.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

This short pause helps them set and makes removal a breeze.

They’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Step 9: Prepare Chilled Dough

If you refrigerated the dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.

Gently press any crumbly bits together to form perfect cookie balls ready for baking.

Tips to Keep Them Soft and Loaded With Chips

  • Use cold, cubed butter for better cookie texture and prevent overly greasy results.
  • Blend ingredients gently to avoid tough cookies, stopping when just combined for optimal softness.
  • Mix different chocolate types like semi-sweet, milk, or dark chips for unique flavor profiles.
  • Refrigerate dough for 24 hours to enhance flavor complexity and improve cookie structure.
  • Watch cookie edges for light golden color, indicating perfect doneness without burning.

Storage Tips to Maintain That Fresh-Baked Taste

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days at cool room temperature or 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Shape cookie dough into balls, freeze on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Raw dough stays fresh for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Warm cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds for soft texture. Alternatively, place cookies in preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore fresh-baked crispness and warmth.

Drinks and Treats That Pair With Cookies

  • Savor Rich Milk Pairing: Creamy whole milk perfectly complements the chocolate chip cookies' sweetness, creating a classic nostalgic combination that balances the buttery cookie texture.
  • Explore Espresso Companion: A freshly brewed shot of espresso offers a robust contrast to the cookies' sweetness, cutting through the richness and enhancing the chocolate's deep flavor profile.
  • Indulge Vanilla Chai Delight: Warm vanilla chai tea provides a spicy-sweet backdrop that elevates the chocolate chip cookies, matching their comforting warmth and adding subtle aromatic complexity.
  • Match Salted Caramel Latte: A smooth salted caramel latte harmonizes with the cookies' sweet-salty notes, creating a luxurious flavor experience that brings out the chocolate's richness and cookie's buttery undertones.

Fun Ways to Put a Spin on the Classic

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: Swap traditional flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Substitute eggs with mashed banana, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a completely plant-based treat.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use almond flour or coconut flour as a base. Replace sugar with stevia or erythritol. Select sugar-free chocolate chips and add chopped nuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or a combination of applesauce and minimal sugar. Choose dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa content for less sugar and more antioxidants.

FAQs

  • Why use cornstarch in chocolate chip cookies?

Cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender cookie by breaking down the protein in flour. It prevents cookies from becoming tough and adds a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies irresistibly smooth.

  • Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

No, brown sugar is crucial for these cookies. It adds moisture, creates a deeper caramel-like flavor, and helps produce a chewier texture. White sugar alone won’t give you the same rich taste and soft consistency.

  • How do I know if I'm overmixing the dough?

Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes cookies tough and dense. When you see no more dry flour streaks, that’s your cue to stop mixing.

  • Why is chilling the dough recommended?

Chilling allows ingredients to meld, intensifies flavors, and prevents cookies from spreading too quickly. Cold dough creates thicker, more flavorful cookies with a better overall texture and more concentrated taste.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet, irresistible chocolate chip cookies offer a classic American dessert that melts hearts with rich buttery goodness. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and perfect chocolate distribution ensure you savor each delightful bite of homemade comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups Flour
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Cold Butter
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Binding Agents:

  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (or 385°F if your oven runs hot), ensuring an even baking environment for perfectly golden-edged cookies.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for approximately 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating the ideal cookie texture.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture, blending for an additional minute to enhance flavor and create a smooth, cohesive dough.
  4. Gently incorporate flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent tough cookies, maintaining a soft and slightly sticky consistency.
  5. Carefully fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to guarantee a delightful chocolate experience in every bite.
  6. For optimal flavor development, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours (optional). If time is limited, proceed directly to scooping dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, watching for light golden edges as the indicator of perfect doneness. The enticing aroma will signal that the cookies are ready.
  8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This brief cooling period helps them set and prevents breaking when transferring.
  9. If using chilled dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Gently press any crumbly dough together to form uniform balls, ensuring proper spreading during baking.

Notes

  • Chill the dough overnight for richer, deeper flavor development and improved cookie texture.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better cookie consistency.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top right after baking to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast that elevates the entire cookie.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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