Chocolate Chip Cookies

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I’ve always had a sweet spot for cookies, and chocolate chip cookies have a special place in my kitchen. There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a cookie that is soft, chewy, and loaded with melted chocolate chips. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for the ultimate chocolate chip cookies. These aren’t just any cookies—they are the perfectly chewy, chocolatey, ooey-gooey treats that satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth cravings.

The first time I made these cookies, I realized how simple ingredients can come together to create something magical. I remember pulling the warm cookies out of the oven and the aroma filling the entire house. It was impossible not to grab one straight from the tray. That moment inspired me to perfect this recipe so that every time I bake, I get the same soft, rich, and indulgent result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees consistent results every time. The cookies come out perfectly soft in the center with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. Each bite is loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, offering a delicious contrast of textures. You’ll love how the flavors of butter, sugar, and chocolate meld together effortlessly. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate add-ins like walnuts or different types of chocolate if you want to experiment.

Versatile
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit every occasion. You can also freeze the cookie dough for later use or bake smaller bite-sized cookies for a quick snack. The recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, which makes it a flexible addition to your baking repertoire.

Budget-Friendly
Another reason I love this recipe is how affordable it is. Most ingredients are pantry staples—flour, sugar, butter, and chocolate chips—so you don’t need to make a special trip to the store. Despite being budget-friendly, these cookies taste indulgent and bakery-quality, making them perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • 1¼ cups flour

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ cup cold butter

  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 6 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 egg

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (10-11 oz)

  • ¼ cup walnut pieces (optional)

    How to Make These Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookies is all about following the steps carefully, but don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks. I’ll walk you through the process so you can achieve cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate in every bite.

    Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chocolate Chip Cookies

    1. Preheat the oven – Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). Preheating ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a golden-brown exterior while staying soft inside.

    2. Prepare your baking sheets – Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This also makes clean-up easier and keeps the bottoms of the cookies from browning too quickly.

    3. Mix the dry ingredients – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1¼ cups flour, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Combining these ingredients first ensures even distribution in the dough, which helps the cookies rise consistently and maintain their structure.

    4. Cut the butter – Take ½ cup cold butter and cut it into small pieces. Using cold butter helps maintain the cookie’s shape and creates a slightly thicker, chewy texture.

    5. Cream the butter and sugars – In a larger mixing bowl, combine the cold butter pieces with 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your cookie dough.

    6. Incorporate dry ingredients – Gently add the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix carefully until everything is just combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.

    7. Add chocolate chips and walnuts – Fold in 1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips (10–11 oz) and ¼ cup walnut pieces if desired. This is where the cookies get their signature chocolatey flavor and optional nutty crunch.

    8. Shape the cookies – Using a tablespoon, scoop the cookie dough and form into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading.

    9. Bake the cookies – Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 6–7 minutes. Watch closely; you want the tops lightly golden, not overly brown. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

    10. Cool and serve – Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Eating them warm offers the best experience—the chocolate is melty, and the centers are soft and chewy.

    Quick and Easy Tips

    This recipe is simple and doesn’t require any fancy tools. With just a few mixing bowls, a spoon, and a baking sheet, you can create bakery-quality cookies at home. Even beginners will find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding.

    Customizable Options

    Feel free to customize the cookies to your taste. Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or even white chocolate. Add dried fruits like cranberries, or increase the nuts for extra crunch. The recipe is flexible and allows for endless variations.

    Crowd-Pleasing

    These cookies are always a hit. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, making them for your family, or gifting them to friends, they disappear quickly. The combination of a soft, chewy center and slightly crisp edges keeps everyone coming back for more.

    Following these steps guarantees that you’ll get the perfect chocolate chip cookies every time. The careful balance of butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate creates a classic flavor and texture that is irresistible.

    FAQs About Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Q: Can I use room temperature butter instead of cold butter?
    A: Yes, but using cold butter helps the cookies maintain their shape and stay slightly thicker and chewier. Room temperature butter may result in cookies that spread more.

    Q: How do I make the cookies extra soft?
    A: For the softest cookies, enjoy them warm right after baking. You can also slightly underbake them by a minute or so; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.

    Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
    A: Absolutely. Scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

    Q: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
    A: Yes, feel free to fold in walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit. Just keep the total volume similar so the cookies bake evenly.

    Q: How do I store the cookies?
    A: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze baked cookies for longer storage.

    Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
    A: Yes, simply adjust the baking time. Smaller cookies may take 4–5 minutes, while larger cookies may need 8–9 minutes. Keep an eye on the color to prevent overbaking.

    Print

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    Chocolate Chip Cookies

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    Print Recipe

    These chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with melted chocolate chips. They are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate indulgence.

    • Total Time: 21–22 minutes
    • Yield: 18 cookies 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    • 1¼ cups flour

    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

    • ½ teaspoon salt

    • ½ teaspoon baking soda

    • ½ cup cold butter

    • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

    • 6 tablespoons brown sugar

    • 1 egg

    • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)

    • 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (10–11 oz)

    • ¼ cup walnut pieces (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).

    • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

    • In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda.

    • Cut cold butter into small pieces.

    • In a large bowl, combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free). Mix until creamy.

    • Gently stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

    • Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts (optional).

    • Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and form balls. Place on baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.

    • Bake 6–7 minutes until tops are golden.

    • Remove from oven and let cookies cool for a few minutes. They will continue cooking slightly while cooling.

    • Serve warm for the softest texture.

    Notes

    • Do not overmix the dough to maintain a soft texture.

    • Optional nuts can be replaced with other mix-ins like dried fruit or different chocolates.

    • For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish on the tray.

    • Author: Layla
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 6–7 minutes

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