How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’re about to discover how to make the absolute best chocolate chip cookies. Perfected over six years, this recipe guarantees incredible flavor and texture every single time you bake!

Discover the Secret to Amazing Homemade Cookies

For over six years, I’ve been on a mission to create the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe. And I’m thrilled to announce that the search is finally over! These are hands down the best homemade chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever taste. Here’s why they are so exceptional:

Bake with Confidence Every Time: Say goodbye to baking fails! This recipe is foolproof. Follow the steps, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy some of the most delicious cookies you’ve ever had, in just minutes.
Flavor That Pops: The secret? Vanilla! You might think there’s an error in the ingredient list, but trust me, the generous amount of vanilla extract is key. It enhances all the other flavors – brown sugar, butter, egg, chocolate chips – making these cookies truly extraordinary. This vanilla-forward approach sets them apart and makes them the best chocolate chip cookies.
Soft and Chewy Perfection: Texture is everything, and these cookies deliver. They boast the ideal soft and chewy texture that lasts, even the next day. No hard, dry cookies here!
Just the Right Amount: This recipe yields a generous batch, perfect for sharing but not overwhelming. You’ll have plenty of cookies without feeling like you’re swimming in them.
Freezer-Friendly for Instant Gratification: Craving a warm cookie? These freeze beautifully, both baked and as dough! This means you can have a delightful homemade cookie whenever the mood strikes. And trust me, once you taste these, cravings will be frequent!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to start making these incredible cookies:

Salted Butter, Softened: I prefer salted butter for its flavor. If you’re using unsalted butter, just add an extra pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create those crispy edges.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is crucial for moisture and chewiness, giving the cookies a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Egg: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: The star of the show! Don’t skimp on the vanilla. It elevates the flavor profile and brings out the best in all the other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: Simple all-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, providing the right structure for soft and chewy cookies.
Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and creates that signature chewy texture.
Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
Your Favorite Chocolate Chips: Choose your go-to chocolate chips! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet – whatever you love. You can even chop up a chocolate bar for a chunkier cookie. Ghirardelli chocolate chips are a great choice for these!

Choosing the Right Flour for Your Cookies

After years of tweaking and testing, I’ve found that all-purpose flour works wonderfully for these chocolate chip cookies. No need for anything fancy!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of perfect chocolate chip cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when your cookies go in.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture. This usually takes about 2 minutes and is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix again until everything is well combined. The vanilla will infuse its wonderful aroma into the dough.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined, forming a soft dough that’s not sticky. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in your favorite chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Arrange Dough: Use a cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tbsp or a #40 scoop) to portion out the dough into even-sized balls. Arrange them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or simply on an ungreased cookie sheet. Leave a little space between each cookie for spreading.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are ready when they have spread slightly and are just beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and prevents them from sticking to the pan.

Best Temperature for Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies

350°F (175°C) is the ideal temperature for these cookies. It allows them to spread just enough without melting the butter too quickly, which would result in thin, crispy cookies instead of the soft and chewy ones we’re aiming for.

How Long to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies for Chewy Results

Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for that perfect moment when the edges just start to turn golden brown and the centers are still soft. Personally, I find 9 minutes and 30 seconds to be my sweet spot, but 8-10 minutes is the general guideline for perfectly chewy cookies.

Delicious Variations to Try

While these chocolate chip cookies are amazing as they are, feel free to get creative and add your own twist! Here are a few ideas for variations:

Mix in Different Chocolates: Use a combination of milk, semi-sweet, and dark chocolate chips or chunks for a richer chocolate flavor.
Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the cookies right after baking to enhance the sweetness and chocolate flavor.

How to Store Your Homemade Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for 3-5 days.

Can You Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies? Absolutely!

These chocolate chip cookies freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for making ahead or saving for later. You can store them in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Step-by-Step

Here’s the simple method for freezing your baked cookies:

Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before freezing.
Seal in Freezer Bag: Place the cooled cookies in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label and Date: Label the bag with the type of cookie and the date you froze them.
Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for Later

Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic way to have fresh cookies anytime. Here’s how:

Shape Dough Balls: Scoop the cookie dough into balls as if you were about to bake them.
Freeze on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are firm. This pre-freezing step prevents them from sticking together in the freezer bag.
Transfer to Freezer Bag: Once frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
Freeze: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How Long Do Chocolate Chip Cookies Stay Fresh?

For the best taste and texture, enjoy your freshly baked cookies within 3 days. If frozen, they will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Cookies

Why are my chocolate chip cookies flat?
The most common reason for flat cookies is old baking soda. Check the expiration date to ensure it’s still fresh. Expired baking soda loses its leavening power, which can result in flat cookies.

How do I keep chocolate chip cookies soft?
This recipe is specifically designed to produce soft cookies! Make sure you don’t overmix the dough and avoid overbaking them. Overbaking is a common culprit for dry, hard cookies.

What’s the secret to making the best cookies?
Following this recipe! Seriously, six years of perfecting has gone into this recipe, and it works every time. For truly exceptional cookies, this is your go-to recipe.

Do I need to chill cookie dough before baking?
One of the best things about this recipe is that chilling isn’t required! Who has time to wait? You can bake these cookies immediately after making the dough, and they will turn out perfectly.

Should I flatten chocolate chip cookies before baking?
Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which helps in even baking and gives cookies a lovely shape. I usually don’t flatten them, but you certainly can if you prefer a flatter cookie.

How can I make chocolate chip cookies fluffier?
Surprisingly, avoid overmixing the dough! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cookies tougher and less fluffy. Mixing until just combined keeps the dough tender and allows the baking soda to work its magic for a fluffier cookie.

Can I make chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar?
Yes, you can! For a recipe without brown sugar, check out this recipe for chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar.

Can I make chocolate chip cookies without baking soda?
Yes, but you’ll need another leavening agent to achieve that desirable fluffy, chewy texture. There are baking soda substitutes you can use, which are worth exploring if you’re out of baking soda.

Ready to Bake? The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

You’ve found it – the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe! Perfected over six years for spot-on flavor and texture, every single time.

Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe rating: 4.94 from 340 votes

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies
Calories: 47kcal per cookie

Ingredients:

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) salted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (your favorite kind)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a soft, not sticky dough forms.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop dough into 1 ½ tbsp portions onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, silicone mat, or ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cookies spread and edges just begin to turn golden brown.
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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