How to Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting from the oven. It’s a scent that instantly brings comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of sweetness to any home. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my secret to making the perfect chocolate chip cookies—chewy on the inside, crispy on the edges, and loaded with flavorful chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a weeknight treat, or just because, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, chewy centers with perfectly golden edges
• Packed with rich, melty chocolate chips
• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight dessert ideas
• Customizable with your favorite mix-ins

Ingredients

To make these perfect chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need:

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these irresistible cookies:

1. Prep the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the wet ingredients. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until smooth and well combined.
3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips. Fold in the chocolate chips (and any optional mix-ins you’re using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Scoop the dough. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake to perfection. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
7. Let cool slightly. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients. This ensures the butter and sugars cream together smoothly and the dough comes together evenly.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Chill the dough if needed. For an extra chewy texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Use a mix of chocolate chips and chunks. This creates a delightful texture contrast in each bite.

How to Serve

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

• Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cookie sandwich dessert.
• Include in a batch of Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake for a chocolate lover’s dream dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

These cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing:

• Store at room temperature. Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for later. Cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Freeze the dough. Scoop and freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough balls for an additional 1-2 minutes.

And there you have it—my secret recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookies! Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a quick family dinner or as a special treat, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorites and share it with your friends and family. Happy baking!