Name: The Greatest Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup packed brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

There’s nothing quite like the warm, nostalgic comfort of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie—and this recipe truly lives up to its name. These are the kind of cookies I crave when I want something that’s soft and chewy in the center, golden and crisp at the edges, and generously studded with rich, melty chocolate chips.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining my baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—this gives the cookies their perfect rise and texture.

In a separate large bowl, I cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Then, I beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

I gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined (never overmix).

Next, I fold in the chocolate chips—and if I’m feeling fancy, I throw in some chopped nuts for extra crunch.

I drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

I bake them for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still a bit soft.

Once out of the oven, I let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies. The preparation takes around 15 minutes, and the baking time is 10–12 minutes per batch. I usually finish everything in under an hour, including cooling.

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I like to:

Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips.

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Mix in dried cranberries or coconut flakes for a unique twist.

Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

Chill the dough overnight to develop a deeper, richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag—they’ll last up to 3 months. I reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

How do I make the cookies chewier?

I slightly underbake them by about a minute and let them finish setting as they cool. Using more brown sugar than white sugar also helps.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, I scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, and then store the dough balls in a zip-top bag. They bake perfectly straight from the freezer—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Usually, that’s from using overly soft butter or not chilling the dough. I chill the dough for an hour before baking when I want thicker cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture stays pretty close to the original.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

I use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. It keeps the size consistent, which helps them bake evenly.

Conclusion

These chocolate chip cookies are everything I love in a classic dessert—crispy edges, chewy centers, and melty chocolate in every bite. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy any cookie craving. Whether I’m sharing with friends or savoring one with a glass of milk, this is my go-to cookie recipe every single time.

📖 Recipe:

The Greatest Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These classic chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with rich, melty chocolate chips. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for any occasion.