There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie—crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and packed with gooey chocolate. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe, you’re in the right place!
This foolproof recipe delivers thick, chewy, bakery-style cookies with the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and chocolate chips. Plus, I’ll share pro tips and variations to customize your cookies just the way you like them!
Why This Recipe Works
✔ Perfect Texture – Crispy on the edges, chewy in the center.
✔ Balanced Sweetness – A mix of brown and white sugar adds the right amount of sweetness and chewiness.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no special equipment needed.
✔ Customizable – Add nuts, sea salt, or different types of chocolate to make it your own.
Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until smooth and fluffy. This step is essential for getting the right texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
Step 7: Scoop & Chill (Optional but Recommended)
For thicker cookies, scoop dough into balls and chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Place cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center looks slightly underbaked.
Step 9: Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra flavor (optional).
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
✅ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Butter and eggs should be at room temp for even mixing.
✅ Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined.
✅ Chill the Dough – Helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
✅ Use Quality Chocolate – Chop up a chocolate bar for gooier, melty chunks.
✅ Underbake Slightly – The cookies will continue to cook as they cool, giving you the perfect chewy center.
Fun Variations to Try
🔹 Double Chocolate Cookies – Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey treat.
🔹 Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Swirl in ¼ cup peanut butter for a nutty twist.
🔹 Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Replace ½ cup of flour with oats for a chewier texture.
🔹 Salted Caramel Cookies – Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle sea salt on top.
How to Store & Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—just reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds before eating.
Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze for easy baking later.
Final Thoughts
Making the best chocolate chip cookies is all about using quality ingredients, chilling the dough, and baking just until golden. Whether you love them chewy, crispy, or loaded with extra chocolate, this recipe will give you perfect cookies every time.
Try it today and enjoy the ultimate homemade treat! 🍪💛
