Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies - Classic Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your kitchen. This classic recipe creates cookies with crispy edges, chewy centers, and plenty of melty chocolate chips in every bite.

The Secret to Perfect Cookies

The key to amazing chocolate chip cookies lies in a few simple techniques:

• Room temperature butter for proper creaming
• Brown sugar for chewiness and flavor depth
• Chilling the dough for better shape and texture
• Quality chocolate chips make all the difference

What You’ll Need

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips

The Method

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Preheat oven to 375°F. Make sure your butter is at room temperature - it should give slightly when pressed.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars In a large bowl, beat softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 6: Chill and Bake Chill dough for 30 minutes. Drop rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown.

Baker’s Tips

• Don’t overmix - Stop as soon as flour is incorporated
• Chill the dough - This prevents spreading and gives better texture
• Use parchment paper - Makes removal easier and prevents sticking
• Cool on the pan - Let cookies sit for 2 minutes before transferring

Why This Recipe Works

• Perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures
• Rich flavor from brown sugar and vanilla
• Consistent results every single time
• Make-ahead friendly - Dough can be frozen

Variations to Try

• Double chocolate - Add cocoa powder and use dark chocolate chips
• Nuts - Add chopped walnuts or pecans
• Sea salt - Sprinkle flaky salt on top before baking
• Different chips - Try white chocolate, butterscotch, or mini chips

Storage Tips

• Store in airtight container for up to 1 week
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
• Cookie dough can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 3 months

These cookies are perfect for lunch boxes, bake sales, or just treating yourself. The recipe makes about 48 cookies, so there’s plenty to share - if you can resist eating them all yourself!

Happy baking!