Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something special about the warm aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. This recipe guarantees a perfect balance between chewy and soft textures with just the right amount of sweetness. The combination of milk and semi-sweet chocolate, along with a touch of sea salt flakes, creates a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup Butter (softened)

• 1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar

• 1/3 cup Sugar

• 2 large Eggs

• 2 teaspoons Vanilla

• 2 3/4 cups Flour

• 1/2 teaspoon Cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda

• 1 teaspoon Salt

• 2 cups Chocolate Bars*, chopped or Chocolate Chips (milk or semi-sweet or a mix of both)

• Sea Salt Flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 385°F. If you plan to chill the dough before baking, skip this step until you’re ready to bake.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar for about 4 minutes. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl frequently.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue mixing for another minute until well combined.

4. Mix in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Be sure to stop mixing as soon as everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough.

5. Fold in the chocolate chunks or chips of your choice.

6. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. If you’d like to chill the dough for extra flavor, roll the dough into balls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for 24-48 hours before baking.

7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the centers are still slightly gooey. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

8. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the cookies while they are still warm for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Types: You can use a combination of milk chocolate and dark chocolate chunks or chips for a varied flavor, or you can stick to one type of chocolate for a more traditional taste.

• Add-Ins: Feel free to add in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a different twist.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking.

• Reheating: To warm up cookies, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I make sure my cookies are soft and chewy?

To achieve a soft and chewy texture, make sure not to overmix the dough and don’t bake the cookies too long. Removing them from the oven while they’re still slightly underbaked ensures they’ll stay soft and gooey.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate bars?

Yes, you can absolutely use chocolate chips. Both milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips work wonderfully in this recipe. For variety, you could also mix both types together.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes! Chilling the dough for 24-48 hours can enhance the flavor and result in thicker, chewier cookies. If you decide to chill, be sure to roll the dough into balls before refrigerating.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your butter is softened and not melted. Chilling the dough before baking also helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies dairy-free.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that the texture and taste may change slightly.

Why are my cookies too hard?

If your cookies turn out hard, they were likely overbaked. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes in the oven and remove them when the edges are just starting to turn golden while the center remains soft.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for later use. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store them in a zip-top bag. You can bake the cookies directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I add more flavor to my chocolate chip cookies?

Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the dough to give it a unique twist. You can also experiment with other types of chocolate or add-ins like dried fruit or coconut flakes.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re planning to bake for a larger group, simply double the ingredients and follow the same directions.

Conclusion

Classic chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat, and this recipe ensures you get the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and sweet. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something delicious, these cookies will never disappoint. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Happy baking!