Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of biting into freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies—I can practically smell the comforting aroma wafting from the oven already! These cookies are everything you want in a classic treat: delightfully crisp at the edges, decadently soft in the center, and packed with rich chocolate chips that create gooey pools in every bite. Whether you’re just starting in the kitchen or are a seasoned baker, this recipe blends homestyle nostalgia with foolproof results. If you’re hunting for the perfect sweet treat to brighten your day or impress at your next get-together, this is the one you’ll want to share (or maybe, keep all to yourself).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics. These ingredients might seem simple on their own, but each plays a vital role in giving Chocolate Chip Cookies their unforgettable taste and irresistible texture. Assembling quality components ensures every batch tastes uniquely homemade.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body that keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
• Cornstarch: The secret to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—don’t skip it!
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and amplify the chocolatey goodness.
• Baking soda: Lends a tender lift on the inside and gentle browning on the edges.
• Cold butter: Chilled butter keeps the cookies from spreading too much, for that lovely soft center.
• Granulated sugar: Brings the necessary sweetness and helps with subtle crispness.
• Brown sugar: Adds richness and a slight caramel note that deepens the flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Because every great cookie needs that warm, aromatic hug of vanilla.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show—use a whole bag for ultra-gooey cookies, or half the bag if you like less chocolate.
• Walnut pieces (optional): Bring crunch and a toasty flavor twist; totally optional, but so delicious.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by firing up your oven to a toasty 475°F. This higher temperature may surprise you, but it gives these Chocolate Chip Cookies their signature golden tops and keeps the centers soft and chewy. While your oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This handy trick helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab your smaller mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. This step ensures that all your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, essential for even texture and flavor in every cookie.

Step 3: Chop and Mix the Butter

Cut your cold butter into small, manageable pieces. This helps it blend more easily into the sugars. Cold butter is key for that soft, thick cookie texture we’re after!

Step 4: Cream Wet Ingredients

In a larger mixing bowl, combine your chopped butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until they’re well incorporated, creating a creamy, dreamy base that will support all those delicious add-ins.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now, gently stir your dry ingredients into the bowl with the creamy butter mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon and mix just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.

Step 6: Add the Good Stuff

Fold in those chocolate chips (and walnuts, if you’re feeling nutty!). Be gentle here: the goal is to have the chips and nuts evenly distributed for that signature Chocolate Chip Cookie in every bite.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Scoop out the dough using a tablespoon and roll it into balls, spacing them out generously on your prepped baking sheets. Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 6-7 minutes—watch closely, as the tops should turn just golden. Any longer, and you risk losing that coveted chewy center.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven, but let them rest on the tray for a few minutes—they’ll finish cooking on the inside as they cool. For ultimate deliciousness, enjoy them while they’re still warm and the chocolate is gloriously melty.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

A pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled atop warm cookies takes these Chocolate Chip Cookies to new heights, helping highlight the chocolate flavor. You could also drizzle melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a fancy finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with an ice-cold glass of milk, of course! For a festive dessert platter, serve with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a mug of hot cocoa to make the experience extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift, or make mini cookie sandwiches with a swipe of ice cream in the middle. Tower them high on a cake stand or serve alongside espresso shots for a chic dessert moment at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layering a slice of bread in the container helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the cookies tender for up to five days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the dough balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies—just let them cool completely first and store in a sealed container for up to three months.

Reheating

To regain that freshly-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds. If you’re reheating a whole tray, a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F) will revive their gooey chocolate centers and crisp up the edges.

FAQs

Why is the oven temperature so high for these Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Baking at 475°F creates a quick burst of heat that sets the cookie edges swiftly while leaving the interiors soft and chewy—it’s the secret to those picture-perfect bakery-style cookies with golden tops and gooey centers.

Can I make these cookies without walnuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are purely optional and can be omitted for a classic Chocolate Chip Cookie. If you prefer, you can swap in pecans, hazelnuts, or simply go nut-free for an all-chocolate experience.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

For ultra-consistent results, gently spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—avoid packing it down, as this can lead to dense cookies instead of tender ones.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can use salted butter in a pinch! Just reduce the added salt a bit to keep the balance right. The flavor will still be deliciously rich and the cookies will bake up beautifully.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

These Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready when the tops turn lightly golden but still look slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll continue to cook and firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about baking a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies and sharing them warm with people you love—or treating yourself, just because! This recipe brings nostalgic comfort and sure-fire smiles every time. So go ahead, preheat that oven and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scent of homemade cookies—your next favorite batch is just moments away.

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