Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies filling your kitchen. Creaming softened butter with brown and granulated sugar creates a fluffy base, while semisweet chocolate chips promise rich pockets in every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, these golden-edged treats are the ultimate dessert for sharing with friends or savoring with a warm cup of coffee.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip
For the dough
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of the dough, so make sure it’s measured correctly.
- Baking soda – This helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect texture.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
For the wet ingredients
- Unsalted butter – Softened is key here for that smooth, creamy base.
- Granulated sugar – Adds the sweet crunch we all love.
- Brown sugar – Pack it in for that rich, molasses flavor and chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla is worth it for the best flavor.
- Eggs – Room temperature helps them blend in perfectly.
For the mix-ins
- Semisweet chocolate chips – The star of the show—use a brand you absolutely love!
Cook Time for Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably dreamt of mastering the perfect Chocolate Chip cookie recipe—one that’s ready in a flash but tastes like it’s been made with love all afternoon. This chewy baked cookie with chocolate chunks requires only 25 minutes from start to finish! Here’s the breakdown I always follow to keep things on track.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
I like to get my ingredients measured and my pans prepped first—it makes the whole process feel like a breezy, joyful dance in the kitchen. If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, check out my oatmeal cookie variations that are just as quick and satisfying.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking these soft butter cookies with brown sugar is one of my favorite ways to unwind. Let’s walk through each step together, just like I would if you were right here in my sunny Provence kitchen.
Step 1: Prep Your Space
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined. Set the dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 large eggs (one at a time) to the butter mixture, beating on medium speed until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute per egg.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients & Chocolate
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Chocolate Chip dessert even more special. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie swap or just treating yourself, these little tweaks can transform your batch.
- Flavor Swap: Try using dark chocolate chips or even chunks of a chopped chocolate bar for a more intense, grown-up taste. It’s a simple change that feels decadent.
- Diet Tweaks: For a lighter option, you can replace half the butter with applesauce—I do this often when baking for my health-conscious friends. You might also enjoy these healthy no-bake dessert bars for an easy alternative.
- Texture Fix: If you love a fluffy cookie with vanilla and eggs, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps trap air for a tender crumb.
- Storage Tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Feeling ambitious? Double the batch and try my snickerdoodle cookie mix next!
Chocolate Chip
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Equipment
- oven
- spatula
- baking sheet
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While I always believe in savoring life’s sweet moments, knowing a bit about the nutrition in your baking helps you enjoy every bite mindfully. These Chocolate Chip cookies, filled with love and rich chocolate, offer more than just comfort—they bring a sprinkle of goodness too!
Here’s a simple breakdown per cookie (based on a batch of 24):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
The butter and eggs provide a touch of protein, while the dark chocolate chips offer antioxidants—something I learned after diving into the history of chocolate chips and their humble beginnings.
For those curious about smarter indulgences, I often turn to my healthy baking recipes when I want to lighten things up. And if you’re wondering, “Are chocolate chips healthy?”, remember—it’s all about balance and using quality ingredients you love!
A Lighter Version of Chocolate Chip Cookies
I love adapting my favorites to fit different days and moods—whether it’s a cozy treat or something a bit lighter. This version of our classic Chocolate Chip recipe keeps all the joy but feels a little brighter on the palate.
Swap half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for moisture without all the fat. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for extra fiber, and opt for dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa content—they’re richer, so you need fewer!
If you enjoy these tweaks, you might also love my healthy muffin recipes for everyday nibbling. And for completely no-bake options, these no-bake chocolate chip dessert bars are perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Over the years, I’ve baked for friends and family with all kinds of dietary preferences, and it’s taught me that a few thoughtful tweaks can make everyone feel included around the table. If you’re sugar conscious or looking for diabetic-friendly options, here’s what I do in my own kitchen.
For a low sugar version, replace granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol—just check the conversion ratios since they vary by brand. You can also use sugar-free chocolate chips to keep things festive without the glucose spike.
Another trick? Make smaller cookies! portion control helps with glycemic control, and honestly, sometimes a bite or two is all you need to feel satisfied. Remember, baking is about joy—so play around and find what works best for you.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s a memory I hold close—my grandmother serving warm Chocolate Chip cookies with cold milk after school, the smell wrapping around us like a hug. It’s those simple, heartfelt moments that inspire how I share them today.
I love pairing these soft butter cookies with brown sugar with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent Chocolate Chip dessert. They’re also wonderful alongside a hot coffee or chai latte—especially during the holidays when you need a cozy pick-me-up.
For gatherings, I often set out a plate next to my peanut butter cookies for a lovely contrast. And if you’re planning a cookie swap, consider my snickerdoodle cookie mix for another classic homemade drop cookie recipe that everyone adores.
However you serve them, may they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought my family over the years.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve had my share of baking blunders over the years—like the time I used melted butter instead of softened and ended up with flat, crispy coins instead of soft butter cookies with brown sugar. Learning from mistakes is part of the fun, so let’s go over a few common ones to avoid for the perfect Chocolate Chip recipe.
First, don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. This develops too much gluten and leads to tough cookies. Instead, mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Second, using warm cookie dough will cause it to spread too much. I always chill my dough for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors meld and the cookies hold their shape.
Another pitfall is baking on a hot baking sheet. Let your pans cool between batches, or the butter will start melting before the cookies even hit the oven. For more tips on perfecting your treats, check out my guide to easy oatmeal cookies, which shares similar principles. And if you’re curious about ingredient quality, a professional chocolate chip taste test can help you choose the best chips for your classic homemade drop cookie recipe.
Remember, every batch is a chance to learn. My first perfect cookies came after a few not-so-perfect ones, and honestly, they were all delicious in their own way!
How to Store Chocolate Chip
My grandmother had a huge ceramic cookie jar, and the sight of it on her counter, filled with freshly baked treats, is a memory I cherish. Proper storage keeps that just-baked magic alive, so you can enjoy your Chocolate Chip cookies for days.
For short-term storage, let your chewy baked cookies with chocolate chunks cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container at room temperature with a piece of bread tossed in. The bread helps maintain moisture, keeping them soft for up to a week. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to three months; just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag.
I often freeze portions of the dough itself, so I can bake a few warm cookies anytime a craving hits. It’s a wonderful trick for busy weeks. For more ideas on preserving your sweet treats, my Danish oatmeal cookie recipe includes great storage tips. And if you love no-bake options, these no-bake chocolate chip dessert bars are a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Try This Chocolate Chip Yourself
There’s a special kind of happiness that fills a kitchen when Chocolate Chip cookies are in the oven. I hope this recipe brings that same warmth and joy to your home, just as it has to mine for so many years.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, a quiet afternoon treat, or simply to fill your own cookie jar, I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Share them with loved ones, or savor a moment of peace with a warm cookie and a cup of tea. Baking is about creating memories, one batch at a time.
If you enjoyed this classic, you might also love exploring my spiced pumpkin cookies for autumn, or these fun Halloween cookies for a festive twist. For a different kind of baking project, my cottage cheese banana bread is wonderfully moist, and this snickerdoodle banana bread combines two beloved flavors. And if you’re a peanut butter fan, don’t miss these easy cake mix peanut butter cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are chocolate chips called in the UK?
In the UK, they are typically just called chocolate chips as well! You’ll find them in the baking aisle alongside other ingredients for a Chocolate Chip recipe. Sometimes they might be labelled as ‘chocolate drops,’ which is a charming term I’ve always liked.
What is a chocolate chip made of?
Traditional chocolate chips are made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, and often lecithin as an emulsifier. The quality of these ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your Chocolate Chip dessert, so I always recommend choosing a brand you love.
Are chocolate chips healthy?
Dark chocolate chips contain antioxidants, but like any sweet ingredient, they’re best enjoyed in moderation. For a lighter take, you can explore my healthy baking recipes which offer clever swaps for mindful indulgence.
Why are chocolate chips so expensive this year?
Global cocoa supply challenges can affect prices. While it’s frustrating, I see it as a reminder to savor each batch of fluffy cookies with vanilla and eggs even more. Sometimes, buying in bulk or looking for sales on your favorite brand can help.
More Cozy Baking Projects to Try
If you loved baking these chocolate chip cookies, why not explore a few more comforting recipes? Here are some of my favorites for sweet, satisfying treats.
Small Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perfect for when you crave a fresh-baked treat without a dozen leftovers.
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies – A timeless, chewy cookie with rich, nutty flavor that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix – A delightful gift idea or a quick way to bake up cinnamony, soft cookies.
Easy Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar – The same classic taste using simpler pantry staples.
Rich Chocolate Buttercream Frosting – The perfect silky, decadent topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even cookie sandwiches!
