Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house—it’s a comforting aroma that wraps around you like a warm blanket. I can remember countless afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, her laughter filling the room as we baked batch after batch of chocolate chip cookies. Every scoop of dough was a moment of joy, a sprinkle of magic in the ordinary.
Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for the Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies—simple, heartwarming, and perfect for cozy days. These cookies have the perfect balance of gooey chocolate and tender, buttery goodness, making them a favorite in any household. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just indulging in a sweet treat while watching your favorite movie, these cookies are guaranteed to please. Save this recipe as your go-to for cozy baking moments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: These cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect pick for easy weeknight baking.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With chocolate chips that melt in your mouth, they are sure to be a hit at parties or family gatherings.
- Rich and Buttery: The use of salted butter adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or flavors to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours!
- Perfectly Soft: Enjoy the texture of tender cookies that are slightly crisp around the edges and chewy in the center.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (167g) salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (123g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (200g) favorite chocolate chips
How to Make Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light in color and fluffy in texture.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl and add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a soft but not sticky dough forms.
- Fold in your favorite chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Scoop the dough out into 1 1/2 tbsp portions (a #40 cookie scoop works great here) and arrange them on your cookie sheet. You can use parchment paper, a silicone mat, or an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350° F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and are just beginning to turn golden brown on the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack, where they will finish cooling.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Nutty Delight: Add in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch that complements the chocolate.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Mix in caramel bits for a rich, gooey addition that brings a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Zesty Citrus: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough to give your cookies a refreshing, zesty flavor burst.
- Oatmeal Blend: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with rolled oats for a hearty texture and a rustic touch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop the dough on baking sheets and bake when ready!
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you prefer a lighter version, try substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a slightly healthier cookie.
- Chill for Perfection: For a thicker cookie, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking; this helps them maintain their shape!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake a fresh batch.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add mix-ins like dried fruits or nuts.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
How long do they last?
These cookies can last for up to one week if stored properly in a cool, dry place!
Wrapping It Up
There’s nothing quite like the experience of biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. Each bite is a trip down memory lane, full of love and comfort. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or indulging solo with a glass of milk, these Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to bring joy to your heart and home. Save this recipe to your cozy baking board so it’s ready when you need a sweet treat! Happy baking!
Print
Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously gooey chocolate chip cookies, perfectly soft with a delightful buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (167g) salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (123g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (200g) favorite chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light in color and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough into 1 1/2 tbsp portions on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, chocolate chip, baking, dessert, easy recipe