If you’re craving a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, look no further than these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies. This classic recipe blends buttery richness, just the right amount of sweetness, and plenty of melty chocolate chips to create a cookie that’s crispy around the edges and soft in the center. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a quick snack, or just because, these cookies deliver comfort and joy with every bite, and they’re surprisingly simple to make!

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the buttery base to the melty chocolate chips. With straightforward pantry staples, you’ll get a perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes these cookies stand out.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Using room temperature butter ensures your dough blends smoothly for a tender cookie.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and rich, caramel notes that deepen the flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant undertones.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure while keeping cookies soft.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and chewiness, balanced perfectly here.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show—loads of gooey chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tools

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven ready ahead of time means the cookies will bake evenly right when they hit the sheet, giving them that perfect golden edge.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars, plus the vanilla extract, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, which helps make your cookies tender and soft.

Step 3: Add Eggs One by One

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully integrated, creating a smooth dough that will bake beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. This distributes chocolate goodness in every bite, which is really what makes these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies so irresistible.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart so they don’t stick together as they spread. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to set nicely, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them finish firming up while staying soft and chewy inside.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are delicious on their own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking adds a delightful contrast that elevates the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside cold milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea. Each pairing enhances the cookie’s warmth and sweetness in a wonderfully comforting way.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies extra special by sandwiching them with a layer of softened peanut butter or chocolate ganache. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for a fancy touch that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about three to five days, perfect for snacks that last all week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply take them out and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste anytime, warm leftover cookies in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This softens them up and revives that just-out-of-the-oven feeling we all adore.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is the best choice for these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies because it lends flavor and texture. Margarine or oil can be used, but the cookies may be less flavorful and have a different texture.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Overly softened butter or dough that’s too warm can cause cookies to spread too much. Chill your dough slightly before baking to help them hold their shape better.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even mix them up for fun variety in flavor and texture.

Are these cookies crunchy or soft?

These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies have a delightful balance—crispy edges with a soft, chewy center. Baking time can be adjusted slightly if you prefer one texture over the other.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a wonderful crunch and extra flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about baking and sharing these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Not only does the smell fill your kitchen with warmth, but every bite brings a smile. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new favorite go-to for satisfying your sweet tooth effortlessly and deliciously. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every scrumptious moment!

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 21 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe delivers classic, soft, and chewy cookies loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced with a buttery, sweet flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are quick to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your dough.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, which helps create a uniform dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for consistent chocolate in every bite.
Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow spreading during baking.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which helps set their shape and texture.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
Use room temperature butter for easy creaming.
Adjust baking time slightly if you prefer softer or crisper cookies.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
For a variation, try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 110 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, easy cookies, homemade cookies, classic cookies, bake chocolate chips