If you have a soft spot for classic treats that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, then this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Combining just the right balance of buttery richness, subtle vanilla, and pockets of melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies bring a nostalgic yet delightfully fresh spin on a beloved favorite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or to impress friends, this recipe ensures you’ll get irresistibly soft, golden-topped cookies that truly steal the show every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – every ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating that perfect cookie texture and flavor you crave. From the blend of granulated and brown sugar, which adds depth and chewiness, to the cornstarch that makes these cookies tender and soft, each element is essential.
- 1¼ cups flour: The base that gives the cookies their structure and crumb.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Adds a silky softness that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough for a tender, cakey interior.
- ½ cup cold butter: Cold butter creates those irresistibly crispy edges and tender centers.
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds light sweetness and subtle crispness.
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and moisture for chewiness.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together while keeping the cookie soft.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and classic flavor.
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 10-11 oz): The star ingredient delivering gooey pockets of chocolatey delight.
- ¼ cup walnut pieces (optional): Adds a nice crunch and nutty contrast if you enjoy a bit of texture.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 475°F. While it heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and helps you get those perfect, golden bottoms on your cookies.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda in a smaller bowl. This blend might seem simple, but it’s the secret to achieving cookies that are tender on the inside and nicely held together without being tough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Cut the cold butter into smaller pieces – this technique helps it blend more evenly without melting too quickly. In your larger bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these well lays the foundation for cookie dough that’s both rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Take care not to overmix here – you want to blend everything thoroughly but keep the dough tender for that soft bite you love in your Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now it’s chocolate time. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the walnut pieces for a delightful crunch. Mixing these in gently ensures even distribution without breaking the chips or nuts.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheets. Pop them into the oven for 6 to 7 minutes, watching carefully as the tops turn a lovely golden brown. That’s your cue they’re ready to come out!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool a bit on the baking sheet – they’ll continue to bake softly inside. For the absolute softest, most irresistible experience, enjoy them while still warm. Trust me, that first bite straight from the oven will become a warm memory you’ll want to revisit often.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after they come out of the oven. This little touch creates an amazing contrast that highlights the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor beautifully. For an extra treat, drizzle with a slight touch of caramel or melted white chocolate for a fancy twist.
Side Dishes
Chocolate chip cookies go hand-in-hand perfectly with classic milk, of course, but also consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert. Fresh berries on the side add a refreshing burst that cuts through the sweetness and brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this simple Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe into a gift by placing a stack in a rustic box tied with a ribbon. You can also sandwich two cookies with your favorite frosting or nut butter for a decadent twist. For parties, arrange them on a colorful platter, maybe even with little name cards describing your secret weapon – these utterly delicious cookies!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture, preserving that tender texture you adore.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime by simply popping the frozen dough into the oven, adjusting baking time by a minute or two.
Reheating
To revive your Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe leftovers, reheat them gently in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes that fresh-baked softness and warming chocolate pockets so they taste freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use melted butter instead of cold butter?
For this recipe, cold butter is key because it helps create the texture that balances crisp edges with soft centers. Melted butter can cause the cookies to spread too much and come out flatter than intended.
Why do I need to use cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch might sound unusual for cookies, but it works wonders by making them incredibly tender and soft, almost like a bakery-style cookie. It’s a game-changer for the perfect bite.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut or leave them out?
Absolutely! Walnuts add a nice crunch, but feel free to swap them for pecans or almonds, or simply skip the nuts entirely if you prefer a classic cookie texture without extra crunch.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
Using more brown sugar, chilling the dough before baking, or adding a little extra cornstarch can enhance chewiness. Also, baking just until the edges turn golden while leaving the center slightly underdone keeps them deliciously chewy.
What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?
Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to portion out the dough helps ensure each cookie bakes evenly and looks uniform. This way, you enjoy consistent results every time you make the Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but delivers such a comforting, delicious experience that it quickly becomes a kitchen staple. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies always bring smiles. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some magic happen!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic chocolate chip cookies are crispy on the edges and chewy in the center, featuring a perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. With a quick preparation and a short high-temperature bake, these cookies come together easily and deliver warm, comforting homemade goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup cold butter (1 stick)
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 10–11 oz; or half a bag for less chocolate)
- ¼ cup walnut pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (246°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Prepare Butter: Cut the cold stick of butter into smaller pieces to make it easier to mix later.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, combine the butter pieces, granulated sugar, brown sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to combine without overmixing, ensuring a uniform cookie dough.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Mix in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the walnut pieces, folding gently until distributed evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon or full-size spoon, scoop and shape dough into balls, placing them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 6 to 7 minutes, watching closely for the edges and tops to turn a golden brown color.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to set and cook slightly as they cool.
- Serve Warm: For the softest and most delightful texture, enjoy the cookies while they are still warm rather than waiting until completely cooled.
Notes
- Using cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender cookie texture.
- Cutting the butter cold and adding it in pieces helps manage the dough consistency.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- Walnuts are optional but add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.
- For less chocolate, use half the bag of chocolate chips as preferred.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool, so removing them from the oven at the right time is key to achieving a chewy center.
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