Name: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

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Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic—golden on the edges, tender in the center, and packed with melty chocolate in every bite. Whether warm from the oven or cooled for a crisp chew, these cookies offer simple satisfaction and universal appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy. With a rich buttery flavor, lightly crisp edges, and gooey centers, they’re ideal for any occasion—from casual snacks to celebratory dessert tables. They also come together quickly, making them great for spontaneous baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.
Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place on prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and centers look just set.
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Serves: About 24 cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over each cookie before baking.
Nut Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Double Chocolate: Mix in cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave cookies for 8–10 seconds to revive their gooey centers. Dough can be frozen in balls for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen with an additional 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Why are my cookies too flat?

Butter that’s too soft or warm, or overmixing the dough, can cause spreading. Try chilling the dough before baking.

Can I freeze cookie dough?

Yes, freeze pre-scooped dough balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for quick baking later.

What kind of chocolate is best?

Semi-sweet chips or chopped chocolate bars offer a gooey, rich texture and balanced sweetness.

How do I keep cookies soft?

Store with a slice of bread in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I use all brown sugar?

Yes, this will make the cookies chewier and slightly more caramel-like in flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling enhances flavor and reduces spreading but is not required for this recipe.

Can I make larger cookies?

Yes, increase baking time slightly for larger dough balls (2–3 tablespoons each).

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

How do I get round, uniform cookies?

Gently shape warm cookies with a spoon or cutter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Can I bake them as bars?

Yes, press dough into a greased 9×13 pan and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Conclusion

Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a beloved classic for a reason. Their simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistible texture make them a staple in any baker’s collection. Whether served warm or saved for later, they never fail to satisfy.

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat featuring golden edges, gooey centers, and melty chocolate in every bite—perfect for snacking, sharing, or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.
Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls and place on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are just set.
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.