The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If there’s one recipe that every home baker should have in their arsenal, it’s the best chocolate chip cookies recipe. These cookies are soft, thick, buttery, and bursting with chocolate chunks in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a casual weekday treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe delivers perfection every time.

Let me tell you, these cookies don’t last long in my house. They’re gone almost as soon as they hit the cooling rack. Ready to bake the most amazing cookies ever? Let’s dive in!

Why These Are the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

What makes this recipe truly shine? A few key factors:

• Melted Butter: By melting the butter completely, you’re left with a richer, chewier texture. No need to guess whether it’s room temp or chilled.
• Perfect Flour Ratio: The balance of wet and dry ingredients ensures the cookies are thick and soft without spreading too much.
• No Overbaking: Pulling these cookies out of the oven while they’re still slightly underdone guarantees a soft, gooey center.

These are the cookies that everyone will be asking for on repeat. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on a whim.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make these soft chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need a few pantry staples:

• 8 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup white sugar (raw cane sugar works great for texture)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (weigh it out if possible for precision, about 6.75 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus a pinch more for flavor)
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips (a mix of chips and chunks works beautifully)

How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite easy chocolate chip cookies recipe:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the Butter: Microwave the butter for about 40 seconds until melted but not hot. Let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the melted butter with white and brown sugars until creamy. Add the vanilla and egg, mixing gently until just combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips and chunks, ensuring even distribution.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 12 balls (or 9 if you want larger cookies) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes until the cookies are just barely golden and still puffy. Avoid overbaking!
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. They’ll settle into dense, soft perfection.

Tips for Success

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method or weigh the flour for accuracy. Too much flour can make the cookies dry and puffy.
• Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them finish cooking without becoming overbaked.
• Customize Your Chocolate: Use a mix of semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Did My Cookies Flatten?

Flattened cookies usually mean the dough didn’t have enough flour or the butter was too warm. Make sure your dough is firm and easy to handle. If it’s too sticky, chill it for 20 minutes before baking.

Can I Use Unsalted Butter?

Yes! If you’re using unsalted butter, add an extra pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Can I Freeze the Dough?

Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How Do I Make Them Extra Chewy?

For extra chewiness, increase the brown sugar to 1/2 cup and reduce the white sugar slightly. Also, avoid overbaking—this is key for a soft, chewy texture.

Favorite Tools for Perfect Cookies

Here are a few must-haves for baking:

• Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
• Stand Mixer: Perfect for mixing ingredients effortlessly.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookies.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool properly, avoiding soggy bottoms.

Variations to Try

Want to get creative? Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:

• Add Nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Festive Everything Cookies
• Bakery-Style Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Christmas Cookie Bars

Final Thoughts: Bake Your Heart Out

There you have it—the ultimate recipe for soft chocolate chip cookies that will win over everyone. These cookies are simple, satisfying, and impossible to resist. Bake them for your family, friends, or just for yourself (no judgment here!).

Share Your Cookie Love

If you try this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime. Let’s spread the joy of warm, buttery cookies far and wide!

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