The secret to these Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in using cold, cubed butter and not overmixing the dough resulting in irresistibly thick cookies with soft, gooey centers and crisp, golden edges. It’s a bakery-level technique brought straight to your home kitchen. These cookies are perfect for every occasion from after-school treats to holiday platters or cozy weekend bakes. The balance of brown sugar richness and semi-sweet chocolate makes them an all-time favorite. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp sea salt
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the cold cubed butter with brown and granulated sugars until well combined, but not overly creamy—about 1-2 minutes.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just incorporated. Add vanilla extract and stir briefly.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Fold in chocolate chips evenly using a spatula or your hands.
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Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tbsp), place dough balls onto the prepared sheets, leaving room for spreading.
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Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something timeless and universally comforting about a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie. From childhood treats to late-night snacks and holiday gifting, these beloved baked goods have a place in everyone’s heart and kitchen. The Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a sensory experience, and a delicious connection to sweet memories.
The recipe featured on this page brings together the best of cookie science and flavor nostalgia. It’s simple, indulgent, and tried-and-tested to deliver bakery-quality cookies with minimal effort. What makes these cookies stand out is their thick, chewy texture, buttery flavor, and generous chunks of semi-sweet chocolate in every bite. But beyond the basic recipe lies a world of cookie tips, baking techniques, and rich history that make these cookies worth celebrating.
The History of Chocolate Chip Cookies
The story of chocolate chip cookies begins in the 1930s with Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. As the story goes, Ruth added chopped pieces of a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar into her cookie dough expecting them to melt. Instead, the chocolate retained its shape and created what we now know and love as the chocolate chip cookie. This “accidental” innovation soon became a household favorite across America.
Nestlé even struck a deal with Wakefield to print her recipe on its chocolate packaging a marketing move that cemented chocolate chip cookies in culinary history.
Over time, the recipe evolved with bakers experimenting with everything from brown butter, sea salt toppings, chocolate chunks, and even gluten-free variations. But the classic version, made with cold cubed butter and a mix of brown and white sugar, remains a fan favorite.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
While there are countless chocolate chip cookie recipes online, the version featured here focuses on a few simple techniques to create exceptional results:
1. Cold Butter = Thicker Cookies
Using cold, cubed butter (rather than softened) is a game-changer. This method slows the spread of the cookie dough during baking, helping the cookies maintain their thick, bakery-style structure. It also makes the dough sturdier, which is perfect for achieving those crisp edges and chewy centers.
2. The Sugar Ratio
A perfect balance between brown sugar and white sugar is essential. Brown sugar contains molasses, which not only adds moisture but also imparts a deeper caramel-like flavor. The white sugar, on the other hand, helps with spreading and contributes to those golden-brown edges.
3. Generous Amount of Chocolate Chips
This recipe includes 2 full cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring every bite is filled with rich chocolatey goodness. Whether you prefer mini chips, chunks, or a chopped bar, the key is generous distribution.
4. No Chill Time Needed
While many cookie recipes require you to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight), this one skips the wait without sacrificing quality. That means you can have cookies on the table in just 25 minutes from start to finish perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute guests.
5. Optional Flaky Sea Salt
Topping your cookies with flaky sea salt is a small step with a big impact. The salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a gourmet twist. It’s a favorite technique used by pastry chefs and food bloggers alike.
Tips for the Perfect Bake
Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert tips. Here are some best practices to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:
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Don’t overmix the dough. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until the flour is absorbed. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
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Use a cookie scoop. This ensures uniform cookie sizes, which leads to even baking and a more polished final appearance.
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Line your baking sheets. Parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevent sticking and promote even browning.
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Watch the oven closely. Every oven is different. These cookies are done when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked they’ll continue to set as they cool.
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Let them cool on the tray. This allows the structure to set and avoids broken cookies when transferring.
Customization Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, feel free to get creative. Chocolate chip cookies are endlessly versatile:
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Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
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Try different chocolates, such as milk, dark, or white chocolate chips.
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Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a chewy surprise.
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Swap vanilla for almond extract for a unique twist.
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Brown the butter before using it for a deeper, nutty flavor.
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Turn them into cookie sandwiches with a scoop of ice cream in the middle!
Why These Cookies Are So Popular
It’s more than just the flavor that makes chocolate chip cookies so well-loved. They appeal to all the senses: the smell of vanilla and chocolate wafting from the oven, the soft warmth of a freshly baked cookie in your hands, the crisp bite followed by a chewy center. They’re nostalgic yet fresh, simple yet deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re baking for your family, prepping a bake sale, gifting a neighbor, or indulging in a self-care night, chocolate chip cookies are the kind of dessert that never lets you down.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Want to enjoy fresh cookies anytime? Here’s how to make the most of your batch:
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Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for that “freshly baked” effect.
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Freeze the dough. Scoop dough balls and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container. Bake directly from frozen just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion:
There’s a reason why chocolate chip cookies are often called the king of cookies. Their universal appeal, easy-to-follow recipe, and heavenly flavor make them a go-to dessert in households around the world. This particular version combines bakery-level quality with home-baking ease, making it the ideal cookie for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. From the crackly golden edges to the gooey centers and melty chocolate morsels, each bite is pure cookie bliss.