Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved classic dessert, enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of warm, gooey chocolate and a perfectly chewy cookie base is simply irresistible. In this article, we’ll share a foolproof recipe for making the perfect chocolate chip cookies — soft, chewy, and filled with rich chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe will not disappoint.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
The ingredients for chocolate chip cookies are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Tip: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream as easily with the sugars, which could result in a denser cookie.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheating your oven is essential for getting that perfect cookie texture. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes. A properly preheated oven ensures the cookies bake evenly and come out soft and chewy.
Tip: If your oven tends to run hot, consider lowering the temperature by 5-10 degrees to prevent the cookies from browning too quickly.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise evenly. Set this bowl aside for later.
Tip: If you want your cookies to have a slightly thicker texture, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour. This will give them more structure.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving soft, chewy cookies.
Tip: Be careful not to overbeat the butter and sugar mixture, as this can result in cookies that spread too much during baking.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor to the cookies.
Tip: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as they’ll mix better with the butter and sugar. Cold eggs can cause the dough to firm up too much.
6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can cause the cookies to be tough instead of soft and chewy.
Tip: If the dough seems too thick, you can use a spatula to fold in the flour instead of mixing it with an electric mixer.
7. Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient — the chocolate chips! Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula. Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the dough for that perfect chocolate-to-cookie ratio.
Tip: For an extra chocolatey cookie, try adding a handful of chopped chocolate along with the chips. This gives the cookies extra pockets of melted chocolate.
8. Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Tip: For perfectly round cookies, roll the dough balls between your hands before placing them on the baking sheet.
9. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool on the baking sheet, so be sure to take them out while they’re still slightly underdone.
Tip: If you prefer a slightly crispier cookie, bake for an extra 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
10. Let the Cookies Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and gives them a perfect chewy texture. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tip: If you want to keep your cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay soft for longer.