If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven, you absolutely must try this Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between gooey softness and just the right hint of golden edges. Each bite bursts with rich, melty chocolate chips nestled in a buttery dough that melts on your tongue. It’s a timeless recipe that never fails to bring smiles and comfort, no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that creates tender softness to the blend of sugars that give these cookies their irresistible chew and golden color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and the perfect crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that classic light texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Yields a rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Light-brown sugar: Adds moisture and deepens flavor with caramel notes.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic sweetness that brightens every bite.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the moisture and softness.
- Semisweet or milk chocolate chips: The star ingredient, with melty pools of chocolate to satisfy every craving.
How to Make Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing two baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—making cleanup a breeze too.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first guarantees they’ll be evenly distributed, setting the stage for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and light-brown sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is what creates the soft texture you’re aiming for, as air gets incorporated into the batter.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract and add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This helps bind all the ingredients smoothly, ensuring your dough has the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to your creamed butter and eggs, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can cause tough cookies, so gentle folding is the key to soft perfection.
Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Fold in your chocolate chips with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures every bite is generously dotted with chocolatey goodness.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for golden edges with centers that remain soft—this balance is what defines the Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe and keeps them wonderfully chewy.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 2 minutes once out of the oven, allowing them to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, get ready to indulge in your delicious creation!
How to Serve Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to elevate the chocolate’s richness with a subtle savory twist.
Side Dishes
Pairing these soft cookies with a cold glass of milk is a classic combo that never gets old. For adults, a cozy mug of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for decadent accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of ice cream or frosting in between for a fun dessert twist. Or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set for extra indulgence and eye-catching flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for weekday treats or sharing with friends.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Bake directly from frozen with an extra minute or two of baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low-temperature oven. This will bring back that fresh-baked softness and gooey chocolate sensation.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter provides unique flavor and texture that defines this Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Margarine or oil can alter the cookie’s softness and flavor, so it’s best to stick with unsalted butter for optimal results.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet chocolate chips are traditional and offer a balanced sweetness, but feel free to mix in milk chocolate chips for a creamier touch or even chunks of dark chocolate if you like a richer taste.
How do I make these cookies extra soft?
Using a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar, along with properly creamed butter, helps maintain softness. Avoid overbaking and be sure to pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges turn golden but the center remains soft.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Consider adding xanthan gum and testing small batches since texture and spread could change.
Is chilling the dough necessary?
While not required for this Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help enhance flavor and control spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a surefire way to bring joy into your kitchen and your home. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers that perfect chewy, melty cookie everyone loves. Give it a try and soon you’ll have friends and family asking for this beloved treat again and again!
Print
Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless treat featuring a tender, chewy texture and rich chocolate chips in every bite. Perfectly balanced with a blend of brown and granulated sugars, these cookies bake up golden on the edges while remaining soft in the center, making them an irresistible snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light-brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring on low speed just until combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain cookie softness.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly using a spatula or spoon for consistent distribution throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for optimal chewiness.
- Cool on Sheets: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for 2 minutes to firm up before transferring.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, which finishes the setting process and maintains softness.
- Enjoy: Serve and delight in your soft and delicious chocolate chip cookies freshly baked.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize spreading for thicker cookies.
- Use room temperature butter for optimal creaming with the sugars to achieve the best texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
