Chocolate Chip Cookies
Warm, gooey, and packed with melted chocolate chips. These classic American cookies are perfectly soft on the inside with a delightful crisp edge. The ultimate comfort treat, best served with a cold glass of milk.
For 24 servings
10 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt
- a.This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 3
Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture
- a.Beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds. Do not overmix.
- 4
Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches
- a.Mix on low speed until just a few streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 72 hours. This step is crucial for developing flavor and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- 7
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For a bakery-style finish, press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underdone. They will continue to bake on the hot pan after being removed from the oven.
- 10
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes
- a.This allows them to set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm!
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chilling the dough is non-negotiable for the best flavor and texture. A minimum of 30 minutes prevents spreading, but 24 hours yields a much deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- 2For perfectly round cookies, use a large glass or round cookie cutter to 'scoot' the edges of the hot cookies right after they come out of the oven.
- 3To measure flour correctly, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour and can result in dry, tough cookies.
- 4Room temperature ingredients are key. They emulsify together to create a uniform texture. Set butter and eggs out on the counter about 1 hour before you begin.
- 5Don't overbake! The cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you pull them out. They will firm up as they cool on the pan.
- 6You can freeze the cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Chocolate Chip
Add 3/4 cup of toasted and chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for a crunchy texture.
Double ChocolateDouble Chocolate
Replace 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and use a mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips.
Brown ButterBrown Butter
Before starting, melt the butter in a saucepan and cook until it turns a nutty brown color. Let it cool slightly before creaming with the sugars for an incredibly deep, nutty flavor.
Oatmeal Chocolate ChipOatmeal Chocolate Chip
Replace 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with 3/4 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats for a heartier, chewier cookie.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Mood Enhancer
Chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can have a positive effect on mood and create a feeling of comfort and happiness.
Quick Energy Source
The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a rapid source of energy, which can be useful for a quick pick-me-up during a slump in your day.
Frequently asked questions
This is usually caused by butter that is too soft or melted. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking is the best way to prevent this. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh and you've measured your flour correctly.