Few desserts are as universally loved as soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies. Fresh from the oven, with crisp edges, gooey centers, and pools of melted chocolate, this classic dessert never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe delivers bakery-style results at home with minimal effort.
What makes this recipe special is its balance. The cookies are rich but not overly sweet, soft without being cakey, and packed with chocolate in every bite. It’s the kind of dependable dessert recipe you’ll return to again and again.
At Top Recipes Day, we focus on recipes that are easy, reliable, and loved by readers. This chocolate chip cookie recipe is beginner-friendly, quick to prepare, and perfect for any occasion—from weeknight treats to holiday dessert trays.
how butter affects cookie texture
Recipe Overview (Schema-Friendly Section)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert Recipes
Ingredients (Schema-Optimized)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions (Schema-Optimized)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture
- No mixer required
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Consistent bakery-style results
Pro Cooking Tips
- Use melted butter for extra chewiness.
- Do not overbake; cookies firm up as they cool.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if spreading too much.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for better flavor.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dry cookies.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
- Replace half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–12 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
Cookie dough balls can be frozen and baked directly when needed.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 210 per cookie
- Protein: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my chocolate chip cookies flat?
Flat cookies usually result from warm dough or too much butter. Chilling helps.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
3. What makes cookies chewy instead of crispy?
Brown sugar and melted butter create a chewier texture.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce sugar, but it may affect texture.
5. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are proof that simple recipes can deliver outstanding results. They’re quick, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re building a dessert recipe collection, this one deserves a permanent spot.
If you enjoy sweet treats in the morning, explore our easy breakfast recipes that turn simple ingredients into comforting starts to the day.
Explore more classic and modern dessert recipes on Top Recipes Day, and don’t forget to save this recipe, leave a comment, or share it with fellow cookie lovers.
