Name: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 12-ounce package (2 cups; 340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you have been on the hunt for the ultimate treat that combines melt-in-your-mouth softness with delightfully chewy centers, this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These cookies are thick, tender, and packed with just the right amount of chocolate chips that create that perfect bite every single time. Whether you are sharing with family, gifting to friends, or just sneaking one (or two) at your desk, these cookies effortlessly bring comfort and joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top right, there is a white bowl filled with light brown sugar, with some spilled on the edge. Next to it on the upper left is a small white plate holding two sticks of pale yellow butter. Below the butter on the left side are two white eggs lying next to small dark chocolate chips scattered on the surface. Centered is a small white bowl with a dark amber liquid, likely vanilla extract. To the right of this is a large white bowl filled with white flour, with some flour clumped in the center. At the bottom left, there is a larger white bowl filled to the brim with dark chocolate chips. Finally, on the bottom right, a small wooden bowl holds granulated white sugar with a metal measuring spoon resting on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, and the beauty lies in their simplicity. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the dough, to the perfect balance of sugars that ensure softness without sacrificing that chewy texture, each component makes these cookies shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 and 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): Provides structure and the classic cookie crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that coveted thick softness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the chocolate’s richness.
1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds buttery richness and aids in keeping these cookies soft.
1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar packed: Contributes moisture and that deliciously deep caramel flavor.
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and encourages the perfect browning.
2 large eggs at room temperature: Bind the dough and add essential moisture for chewiness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
1 12-ounce package (2 cups; 340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient providing gooey bursts of chocolate excellence.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, so when they blend with the wet ingredients, every cookie bakes up perfectly consistent. Setting this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients is key to staying organized.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer or a bowl with a handheld mixer, cream softened butter with both the light brown and granulated sugars for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is magical because it aerates the mixture, contributing to that soft texture while the brown sugar keeps things moist and tender. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides so everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Adding your eggs one at a time ensures they fully incorporate without breaking down the creamed sugar and butter mixture. The vanilla extract then brings a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. This gentle folding keeps the dough tender and prevents overworking the gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

On a low speed, or with a spatula, gently incorporate the semi-sweet chocolate chips so every cookie has a generous dose of melty chocolate. This part is fun because you can really see the goodies coming together.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential as it allows the ingredients to meld and prevents spreading during baking, giving you those tall, thick cookies that are so soft and chewy.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly, leaving space for the cookies to spread just a little. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows three soft, thick cookies stacked on top of each other on a small white plate. The cookies have a golden brown color with an uneven, slightly crumbly texture. Each cookie is filled with many melted dark chocolate chips, which ooze out from the layers, creating a rich, glossy shine that contrasts with the light dough. The bottom cookie lies flat on the plate, while the top two are stacked with rough edges exposed. The background is a white marbled surface, soft and out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Want to elevate your cookies? Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as they come out of the oven. The contrast of salt and sweet chocolate will make your taste buds sing. You can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a decadent finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy hot chocolate for that classic combo that never goes out of style. For grown-up gatherings, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich espresso to balance the sweetness with a little bitterness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform these cookies into something special by stacking them with layers of ice cream for a luscious sandwich, or crumble them over yogurt or pudding for an impromptu dessert topping. Gift them in decorative tins or wrap individually for sweet favors that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies from becoming dry overnight.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies by layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate experience. Just a little warmth brings them back to life beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but be sure to reduce the added salt by about half to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. The balance of flavors is important to keep these cookies tasting their best.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firm ups the dough so the cookies spread less while baking, resulting in thicker, softer, and chewier cookies. It also allows the flavors to develop deeper, giving you that amazing rich taste with every bite.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. You can also add nuts or dried fruit if you want to experiment with different textures and flavors.

How do I make my cookies crispier?

This recipe is designed for soft and chewy results, but if you prefer crispier edges, bake the cookies a minute or two longer and flatten the dough balls slightly before baking. Just monitor closely so they don’t burn.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

To avoid dense cookies, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly with the cup. This method ensures you don’t pack too much flour, which can make your cookies dry or tough.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking and sharing a batch of these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little sweetness in your day, these cookies never disappoint. So pull out your ingredients, take your time with the dough, and enjoy every delicious bite that comes out of the oven. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be your go-to for years to come!