Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies strike the ideal balance between chewy centers and crisp edges, filled with rich, gooey chocolate chips in every bite. They’re a timeless classic that’s easy to make, loved by kids and adults alike, and perfect for any occasion—from bake sales to cozy nights in. These cookies deliver bakery-style results right from your own kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
brown sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
baking soda
salt
semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.

Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use dark chocolate chunks for a more intense cocoa flavor.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
Substitute half the chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
Chill the dough for 24 hours before baking for enhanced flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to restore their soft centers.

FAQs

Why are my cookies too flat?

Over-softened butter or skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Should I use light or dark brown sugar?

Either works, but dark brown sugar adds a richer molasses flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking is usually the cause—remove them when the centers still look slightly underdone.

How do I get evenly sized cookies?

Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but the texture and spread may be affected slightly.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—both the dough and baked cookies freeze well.

Can I add oatmeal or coconut?

Yes, for a texture twist, add up to ½ cup of either.

What kind of chocolate chips are best?

Semi-sweet is classic, but you can use milk, dark, or a mix for variety.

Conclusion

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are a tried-and-true favorite that never go out of style. With their gooey centers, crisp edges, and customizable mix-ins, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll find yourself baking again and again. Whether for a crowd or a personal treat, they always hit the sweet spot.