If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering the art of the homemade cookie, Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate starting point—and the best kind of reward. This classic recipe delivers warm, golden cookies with perfectly gooey centers and irresistible pockets of melted chocolate, all tucked inside a buttery crumb. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just sneaking a late-night treat, every batch of Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies feels nostalgic and special, thanks to how effortlessly they come together. Let’s dive into cookie bliss, one delicious, chocolate-studded bite at a time!

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these cookies, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing flavor, texture, and that perfect cookie color. Think of this as the foundation for your cookie magic—you’ll be amazed at what just a few simple items can do!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The backbone of any great cookie, softened butter creates a rich, tender crumb and helps the sugar cream to fluffy perfection.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and a touch of crispness to the edges for that ideal cookie texture.
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes, extra moisture, and a chewy bite you’ll love.
2 large eggs: Essential for structure and helping the dough bind together beautifully.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the chocolate for a classic finish.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, giving structure and a soft bite.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Lifts the cookies for a light, tender interior without making them cakey.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to sharpen the flavors and balance the sweetness.
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star! Every cookie boasts melty pockets of chocolate richness in every bite.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking right from the get-go. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Every baker’s secret weapon!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Cream the mixture together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until it’s light, fluffy, and paler in color. This step creates air pockets for a soft cookie and helps the sugars start to dissolve for the perfect sweetness.

Step 3: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a silky, homogenous dough. Then pour in the vanilla extract, beating again to infuse that classic cookie flavor throughout the mixture. Don’t rush—let everything blend fully for ultimate richness.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a quick stir to make sure your leavening agent is evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing gently on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so stop as soon as the dough forms.

Step 5: Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Now comes everyone’s favorite part! Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed. Every scoop of dough should promise a gooey, chocolate-filled bite—don’t be shy with those chips!

Step 6: Portion Out the Dough and Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave two inches between each mound. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Look for golden edges and centers that appear just a touch underbaked (this is key for a soft interior!).

Step 7: Cool, Then Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this lets them set up nicely—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist eating them immediately, you have more patience than most!

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt to highlight the chocolate, or drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate for extra decadence. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance, especially if you’re serving guests—or just treating yourself!

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies quite like a tall glass of cold milk, but they’re also fantastic with hot cocoa on a chilly afternoon or paired with fresh berries for a summer treat. If you want to turn dessert into a celebration, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for instant smiles.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer cookies in a clear jar and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift, assemble into an ice cream sandwich, or stack on a pretty plate for a bake sale. You can even crumble leftover cookies over yogurt or pudding for a playful, crunchy topping. Let your imagination—and cravings—lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Tuck in a slice of bread to keep the cookies soft, or share with friends before they disappear.

Freezing

For make-ahead convenience, freeze the unbaked cookie dough in scoops on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. You can also freeze baked cookies: just cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in a resealable container. Either way, they’ll last for up to 2 months and taste just as delightful after thawing or baking straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Want that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth? Briefly reheat Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds, or in the oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. The chocolate melts and the centers turn soft and gooey—just like day one!

FAQs

How can I make my Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies extra soft?

For the softest cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers are still just a bit doughy, as they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. Adding an extra egg yolk to the dough also boosts softness and chewiness.

Can I substitute different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Try using dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. You can also chop up your favorite chocolate bar for rustic, ultra-melty pools of chocolate throughout your cookies.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and develop deeper flavors. Chilled dough bakes into thicker, chewier cookies—well worth the wait!

What’s the best way to measure flour for Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour, leading to dry cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend (one that’s meant for 1:1 substitution). Check the ingredient list to ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies is pure, simple joy and honestly something everyone should try at least once. These cookies are beginner-friendly, deliciously nostalgic, and oh-so-rewarding to share. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a cookie that never fails to win hearts!

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. With a crispy edge and a chewy center, these homemade cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Combine chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For softer cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers are still slightly doughy.
Dough can be chilled for thicker cookies or frozen for later use.
Add chopped nuts or mix dark and milk chocolate chips for variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American