Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the taste of a homemade cookie that’s soft inside, golden outside, and packed with melty chocolate chips, these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need. No fancy techniques or rare ingredients—just simple steps and a handful of pantry staples that come together into everyone’s favorite treat! Loaded with gooey chocolate in every bite, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser and will have your kitchen smelling like pure happiness.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate just how straightforward (but important!) the ingredients for Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies really are. Each one adds its own unique element, whether it’s helping the cookies rise, giving that signature chew, or lending irresistible flavor.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of both texture and flavor; softened butter blends easily for a smooth dough.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create that perfect slightly crisp edge.
• Packed brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds a rich, caramel flavor and makes the cookies soft and chewy.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and give it structure for a tender bite; room temperature eggs blend best.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warm, aromatic depth that complements the chocolate perfectly.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookies, holding all that goodness together.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and develop a lovely golden color.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The star! Every bite is studded with melty, rich chocolate.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready. Don’t skip lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—it makes for easy clean-up and helps your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Aim for a light, fluffy texture; this step is key to getting those perfectly tender Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then pour in the vanilla extract. These help create a silky, well-emulsified base for your cookie dough, giving it an amazing mouthfeel once baked.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Blending your dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking soda evenly, so your cookies puff up just right every time.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain—be careful not to overmix. You want a soft dough that will hold together but isn’t tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those glorious chocolate chips, making sure they’re spread evenly throughout your dough. This ensures every cookie is packed with gooey pockets of chocolate.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set—don’t overbake if you love them soft!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they finish setting up during this time), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Grab a glass of milk—you’re in for a treat.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle your warm cookies with a touch of flaky sea salt to heighten the chocolate flavor, or drizzle with a little melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Pair Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cold glass of milk, or even some fresh berries for a fun twist on the classic milk-and-cookies vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin for cozy gatherings, or wrap individual cookies in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet homemade gift. Setting up a DIY cookie sundae bar with these cookies as the star is always a hit at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft and chewy—it really works!

Freezing

The dough freezes beautifully! Scoop portions onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or container; bake from frozen by adding 1-2 extra minutes. You can also freeze fully baked cookies and thaw as needed for a speedy treat.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm cookies in the microwave for 8-10 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until just heated through. The chocolate will be luxuriously melty again!

FAQs

Why do my Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies sometimes turn out flat?

Flat cookies can happen if your butter is too warm or if you overmix the dough. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm, and be gentle as you mix in the dry ingredients.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch so your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t overly salty. Salted butter adds a slightly deeper flavor, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.

What makes these cookies chewy instead of crunchy?

The combination of brown sugar and a slightly shorter bake time gives Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies their irresistible chew. If you prefer them crunchier, just bake a couple minutes longer and let them cool completely on the pan.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of your favorite dried fruit works beautifully in these cookies. Just swap out up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for your chosen add-ins for a custom twist.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but it can help control spreading and intensify flavors. If you have time and want thicker Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Final Thoughts

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of biting into warm, gooey Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh from your own oven. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!

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