Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your kitchen. Warm, gooey, and perfectly golden — these cookies bring back childhood memories of cozy afternoons, laughter, and sharing sweet treats with loved ones.

This easy recipe is beginner-friendly and made with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family get-together, or just craving something comforting, these cookies are your go-to. Soft in the middle, slightly crisp on the edges, and full of melty chocolate chips — they’re pure joy in every bite.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla:
   Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures:
   Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Add the chocolate chips:
   Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
7. Scoop and bake:
   Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake to perfection:
   Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
9. Cool and enjoy:
   Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Soft vs. crispy: Bake a minute less for softer cookies, or a minute longer for crispier edges.
• Butter temperature: Melted butter gives a chewy texture — perfect for these cookies!
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating tip: Microwave a cookie for 10 seconds for that “fresh from the oven” feel.

Recipe Variations

• Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder and add white chocolate chips.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture.
• Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade.
• Serve warm on a cookie platter during holidays or movie nights.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a hug in dessert form. Perfectly chewy, delightfully buttery, and packed with chocolate in every bite, they’re sure to make your kitchen feel like home. So preheat that oven and share these cookies with family, friends, or simply treat yourself — you deserve it!