How to Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies in 12 Easy Steps

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house, is there? It brings back memories of childhood, family gatherings, and those cozy evenings spent with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies that are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious! Whether you’re looking for Easy Holiday Desserts or just a sweet treat to enjoy, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. And if you’re in the mood for some easy pasta recipes for a quick family dinner, I’ve got you covered there too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and straightforward steps make it perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
  • Customizable with your favorite mix-ins!
  • Pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

To whip up these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chunks)
  • Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling

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

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these cookies!

  1. Preheat & prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
  4. Bring it together: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough forms—don’t overmix!
  5. Add chocolate: Fold in chocolate chips (and chopped chocolate if using). The dough will be soft but scoopable.
  6. Scoop & shape: Use a cookie scoop or 2 tbsp of dough per cookie. Roll lightly and space 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are still soft and puffy.
  8. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
  • Don’t skip the chilling step if you have time; it helps the flavors develop.
  • Experiment with different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or even white chocolate!
  • For a fun twist, add nuts or dried fruits to the dough.
  • Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect on their own, but why not elevate your dessert experience? Here are some serving suggestions:

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful sundae.
  • Pair with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
  • For a festive touch, arrange them on a platter with other Easy Holiday Desserts like No Bake Cheesecake or Fruity Treats.
  • Use them as a base for an ice cream sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, here’s how to store them:

  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • You can also freeze the cookie dough! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Now that you have this fantastic recipe for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie, I hope you feel inspired to bake a batch (or two!). Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet snack or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for your next celebration. Happy baking!

Close-up of a golden-brown chocolate chip cookie with visible chocolate chips.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Enjoy classic homemade chocolate chip cookies with a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
Wet ingredients
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk egg and yolk room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chunks
  • Optional flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: whisk melted butter, sugars, egg, yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips. Scoop onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Notes

For softer cookies, slightly underbake; for crunchier, bake a bit longer.