Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate classic treat, featuring buttery dough, crisp golden edges, and gooey chocolate centers. Easy to make with pantry staples, these cookies are perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or anytime you need a comforting, homemade indulgence.

ingredients

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

unsalted butter softenedbrown sugargranulated sugaregglargevanilla extractall-purpose flourbaking sodacornstarchsaltsemisweet chocolate chips

directions

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

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

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

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

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Fold in chocolate chips evenly.

Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place on baking sheets, spacing them apart.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are just golden and centers are still soft.

Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 9–11 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Swap semisweet chips for milk, dark, or white chocolate.

Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a salty-sweet finish.

Use mini chocolate chips for more even chocolate distribution.

Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months; thaw before serving or baking.

FAQs

Why are my cookies flat?

Too-warm butter or overmixing can cause spreading—chill the dough if needed.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, chill the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for later baking.

What does cornstarch do?

It helps create a softer, chewier texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just scale up all ingredients evenly.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, reduce added salt by half if using salted butter.

How do I keep them soft?

Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.

Can I use a hand mixer?

Yes, or mix by hand with a sturdy spoon or whisk.

What type of flour is best?

All-purpose flour gives the perfect balance of chew and structure.

Can I use vegan substitutes?

Yes, use plant-based butter and a flax egg to make them vegan.

How do I make them gooey?

Bake just until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly underdone.

Conclusion

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the gold standard of homemade comfort, with perfect texture and rich chocolate in every bite. Simple, classic, and always satisfying, this go-to recipe will become a staple in your cookie rotation.