Introduction
If there is one cookie recipe everyone needs in their kitchen, it’s a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie. These cookies are warm, gooey, sweet, and full of melty chocolate in every bite. They are the kind of cookies that make your home smell wonderful and bring smiles to kids and adults alike. Whether you are baking for birthdays, holidays, or just because you are craving something sweet, this recipe will give you bakery-style cookies with very little effort.
This easy, foolproof recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers. It uses simple ingredients but delivers cookies that stay soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and incredibly delicious every single time.
History / Background
Chocolate chip cookies were created by accident in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. She added chopped chocolate to cookie dough, expecting it to melt and create chocolate cookies—but instead, the chocolate held its shape, giving us the very first chocolate chip cookies.
People instantly fell in love with this new treat, and the recipe spread across the United States. Today, chocolate chip cookies are one of the most baked and enjoyed cookies in the world. Their simplicity, comfort, and perfect texture make them a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Soft and chewy every time
• Uses basic ingredients you already have
• Beginner-friendly and easy to follow
• Full of chocolate chips in every bite
• Perfect for kids, family gatherings, and gifting
• No chilling unless you want extra soft cookies
• Tastes better than store-bought cookies
• Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredient Notes
Butter
Use softened (not melted) butter for the perfect soft and chewy texture. Unsalted butter works best.
Sugar
A mix of white and brown sugar adds sweetness plus a caramel-like flavor and chewy texture.
Eggs
One egg gives structure and helps bind the dough.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warm, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
All-Purpose Flour
Gives the cookies structure. Be careful not to over-measure; too much flour makes cookies dry.
Baking Soda
Helps the cookies rise and become soft instead of flat.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Chocolate Chips
Use semi-sweet chips for the classic taste, but feel free to mix with dark or milk chocolate.
Equipment Needed
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
• Cooling rack
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop cookie dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers look soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.
Recipe Notes
• For even softer cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Do not overbake—cookies will firm up as they cool.
• Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
Tips & Variations
• Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for crunch.
• Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Mix in caramel bits or toffee pieces for extra flavor.
• Try using half chocolate chips and half chocolate chunks.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet finish.
• Swap ¼ cup butter with peanut butter for a fun variation.
Pro Chef Tips
• Always soften your butter at room temperature—never melt it.
• Cream the butter and sugar for at least 2 minutes for best texture.
• If your cookies spread too much, add 2 more tablespoons of flour.
• For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.
• To achieve perfectly round cookies, lightly swirl them with a spoon right after baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using melted butter, which makes the cookies flat
• Adding too much flour
• Overmixing the dough
• Overbaking (this makes cookies dry and crumbly)
• Not using room-temperature ingredients
• Letting cookies sit on the hot sheet too long
Storage & Meal Prep
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread inside the container.
• Cookie dough can be kept in the fridge for 3 days.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
• Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months.
• Bake from frozen by adding 1 extra minute to the bake time.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen for 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
• Pair with ice cream to make cookie sandwiches.
• Crumble cookies over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet topping.
• Add to homemade milkshakes for a fun dessert.
FAQs
Why are my cookies flat?
Your butter may have been too soft or warm. Chill the dough for thicker cookies.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
What chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but any type works.
How do I make the cookies thicker?
Chill the dough or add 1–2 tablespoons extra flour.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Conclusion
Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat that everyone loves, and this simple recipe makes them easy for anyone to bake at home. With basic ingredients, beginner-friendly steps, and lots of room for creativity, you can enjoy warm, melty, freshly baked cookies whenever you want. Have fun experimenting with different chocolates, add-ins, and flavors. And most importantly — enjoy every delicious bite!
