The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies have earned their title for good reason: they boast gooey centers, chewy edges, and that perfect hint of rich chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a late-night treat or a special gathering, these cookies shine with just the right blend of flavors and textures to impress any crowd. In this recipe, you’ll discover the secrets that make these cookies legendary in both taste and appearance, and soon you’ll have a batch worthy of sharing (or not!) pulled fresh from your oven.

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies serves a delicious purpose — from achieving a chewy crumb to adding layers of flavor. By sticking closely to this lineup, you’ll get cookies with golden edges, tender middles, and melty chocolate through every bite.

Cold Butter: Using butter straight from the fridge helps keep the cookies thick and chewy instead of flat and crispy.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth with extra moisture, making for irresistibly soft cookies.
Sugar: Brings that classic sweetness and helps create perfectly crisp edges.
Eggs: Provide richness and structure so the cookies won’t fall apart.
Vanilla: A splash of pure vanilla brightens and enhances all the nutty, buttery notes.
Flour: The mix of all-purpose and (optionally) some cake flour produces a cookie that’s both tender and chewy.
Cornstarch: This little secret keeps the cookies extra soft and tender in the middle.
Baking Soda: Leavens the dough, helping the cookies rise to golden, puffy perfection.
Salt: Sharpens the flavors and balances out all that sweetness beautifully.
Chocolate Chips: The star of the show — choose your favorites, or mix milk and semi-sweet for maximum chocolate joy!

How to Make The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming the cold, cubed butter with both sugars on medium speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy — this should take about 4 minutes. Don’t skip this step, as it sets the foundation for that signature chewy texture everyone loves in The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, blend in the eggs and vanilla. Mix for another minute. The eggs will help the dough come together while the vanilla boosts all the other flavors. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, blending just until combined. This method ensures you don’t overmix, which keeps The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies tender and soft.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula (or the mixer on low), gently fold in your chocolate chips. Here’s where you get creative — use all semi-sweet, a mix of milk and dark chocolates, or even chop up a chocolate bar for pockets of melty goodness.

Step 5: Chill (Optional But Encouraged!)

If you have time, wrap the dough in plastic and chill for up to 24 hours. Chilling lets the flavors deepen and the dough firm up, making thicker cookies with more developed taste. Don’t fret if you’re short on time; you can scoop and bake right away too!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees (or 385 if your oven runs hot). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and scoop the dough into even balls. Spread them apart so they have room to bake and grow. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, just until the edges turn barely golden but the centers still look soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them. This allows them to set up and ensures you get those gooey centers intact. Now comes the best part: grab a glass of milk, and enjoy The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies while still warm!

How to Serve The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

The final flourish can make all the difference. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the hot cookies for a sophisticated contrast or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over each one for extra decadence.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfectly paired with cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special dessert platter, add fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a tall glass jar for a rustic touch, tie them in bundles with colorful ribbon for gifts, or arrange on a platter with a variety of chocolates and nuts for a cookie bar experience that highlights The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For maximum chewiness, add a slice of bread to the container — it’ll keep the cookies soft and fresh even longer.

Freezing

Both baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze beautifully. For dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a zipper bag; bake straight from the freezer, just add an extra minute or two. Baked cookies can be frozen, too — just let them cool fully and stack with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Rewarm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300-degree oven for a couple of minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and aroma. They’ll taste just as good as day one!

FAQs

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is best for these cookies because it lets you control exactly how much salt goes into the dough. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chilling the dough for up to 24 hours not only fits your schedule but also improves the flavor and texture, making The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies even more delicious.

How do I get thick, bakery-style cookies?

Use cold butter, don’t overmix the dough, and try chilling the cookie dough before baking — even 30 minutes makes a difference for height and texture.

What’s the benefit of mixing chocolate chip types?

Combining semi-sweet, milk, or even chopped dark chocolate gives different bursts of flavor and varied decadence throughout every bite of The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Why are my cookies flattening too much?

If the butter is too soft or melted, or if your oven is too hot, cookies may spread too far. Stick to cold butter and check the oven temp with a thermometer for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies in your own kitchen! Whether you’re baking a batch for a celebration or treating yourself on a lazy afternoon, there’s nothing like the joy of a warm, chocolate-studded cookie shared with friends and family — or savored all to yourself.