The Ultimate Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie—soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips. This classic recipe brings together all the essentials to make your cookies perfect every time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy. In this post, we’ll walk you through every step, share expert baking tips, and provide ideas on how to serve these delightful treats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons alcohol free vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips or chunks (use semi-sweet for a classic taste)

Optional Additions: Add a hint of cinnamon for warmth, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth, creamy texture that helps give the cookies their chewy consistency.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the alcohol free vanilla extract, until well incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips
   Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
7. Portion and Shape the Dough
   Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
8. Bake
   Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven.
9. Cool and Enjoy
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Baking Tips

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room-temperature eggs blend more easily, ensuring a smooth, consistent dough.
• Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies: For a chunkier, thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to soft and chewy cookies is removing them from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Use a Mix of Chocolate Chips and Chunks: For varied texture and more chocolate in each bite, mix chips with chopped chocolate bars.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Milk or Coffee: Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic experience, or enjoy with a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Make an Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delicious homemade ice cream sandwich.
• Gift Idea: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or gift box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.

These soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a true crowd-pleaser and a must-have recipe in every baker’s repertoire. Follow our tips to make each batch deliciously perfect, and don’t forget to experiment with the optional additions for a unique twist on this classic treat!