Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (with Video)

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: Who doesn’t love a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie? Warm, gooey, and packed with melty chocolate chunks, these cookies are the ultimate comfort treat.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will help you whip up a batch of perfect chocolate chip cookies every time.

Let’s dive in and make magic happen in your kitchen!

Ingredients

To make classic chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need the following:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Substitution Tips:

• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Optional but helpful tools: a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies and a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients

The secret to great cookies is proper preparation.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Measure all your ingredients accurately. For the butter, let it sit at room temperature until soft but not melted.
3. Chop chocolate chunks if you prefer them over standard chocolate chips.

Pro Tip: Sift your dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt together to ensure even mixing.

Mixing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy. This can take about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly to prevent overworking the dough.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Consistency Check: The dough should hold together and not feel overly sticky or dry.

Shaping the Cookies

1. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form uniform balls of dough.
2. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
3. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Why Chill Dough? Chilling helps control spreading and enhances flavor development.

Baking the Cookies

Now that your cookies are prepped, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection!

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. For optimal results, bake one sheet at a time to ensure even cooking.
2. Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be slightly golden while the centers appear soft.
3. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes. This allows the cookies to firm up before transferring them.

Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking, as the residual heat will continue cooking the cookies even after they’re out of the oven.

Cooling and Serving Suggestions

After removing the cookies from the baking sheet, transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely if you want crispier cookies, or enjoy them warm for that gooey, chocolatey goodness.

Serving Ideas:

• Pair with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat.
• Create a cookie sandwich by adding a scoop of ice cream between two cookies.
• Crumble cookies over yogurt or ice cream for a fun dessert topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the Dough: This can result in tough cookies due to overdeveloped gluten. Mix just until combined.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure the right temperature.
• Skipping the Chill Step: Chilling dough isn’t always required but can make a significant difference in cookie texture and flavor.

Tips for Customizing Your Cookies

Want to make your cookies stand out? Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe:

• Additions: Toss in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Flavor Twists: Swap vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a unique taste.
• Texture Adjustments: For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar and less granulated sugar. For crispier cookies, bake for a couple of extra minutes.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Place raw dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Reheating: Microwave a cookie for 10 seconds to enjoy it warm, as if freshly baked.

Healthier Variations

For those seeking a healthier indulgence, here are some easy swaps:

• Use whole wheat flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for reduced fat.
• Opt for dark chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate for a lower-sugar option.

Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.

FAQs about Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

1. What ingredients do I need for easy chocolate chip cookies?

For this simple recipe, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, butter, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and chocolate chips.

2. How long does it take to make chocolate chip cookies?

From start to finish, preparing and baking these cookies takes about 30 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in a 1:1 ratio. However, using butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

4. Do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling is optional for this recipe. If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help enhance the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

5. How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?

For chewy cookies, make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they’re just lightly browned and still soft in the center.

6. Can I add nuts to my chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add about a half cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.

7. How should I store leftover chocolate chip cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

8. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. This is a great way to have fresh cookies on demand!

9. What’s the best way to measure flour for cookies?

For the most accurate results, spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly with the measuring cup to prevent overpacking.

10. Are chocolate chip cookies gluten-free?

Traditional chocolate chip cookies are not gluten-free since they contain all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour to make them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

There you have it—a foolproof recipe for making the most delicious chocolate chip cookies! With these step-by-step instructions, tips, and customization ideas, you’ll be baking cookies like a pro in no time. Whether it’s for a party, a gift, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.