How to Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies in 12 Easy Steps

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, is there? If you’re like me, you probably have a soft spot for Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies that are warm, gooey, and just melt in your mouth. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie that will have your family begging for more! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out some of my easy pasta recipes for quick family dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and straightforward, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Creates soft and chewy cookies that are a crowd-pleaser.
• Great for holiday gatherings or as sweet snacks any time of year.
• Can be customized with your favorite mix-ins!
• Perfect for making ahead and storing for later.

Ingredients

To whip up these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chunks)
• Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious cookies!

1. Preheat & prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
4. Bring it together: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough forms—don’t overmix!
5. Add chocolate: Fold in chocolate chips (and chopped chocolate if using). The dough will be soft but scoopable.
6. Scoop & shape: Use a cookie scoop or 2 tbsp of dough per cookie. Roll lightly and space 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are still soft and puffy.
8. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it helps develop flavor.
• For a fun twist, try adding nuts or dried fruits to the dough.
• If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate for unique flavors!

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your serving game by:

• Pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
• Serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Creating a cookie sandwich with your favorite frosting or filling.
• Offering them as part of a dessert platter alongside other Easy Holiday Desserts like No Bake Cheesecake or Fruity Treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, here are some handy tips:

• Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
• You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!

So there you have it! A simple, delightful recipe for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies that will surely become a family favorite. And while you’re enjoying these cookies, why not explore more delicious treats like my Cookie Dough Cake or the rich Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake? Happy baking!