Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to share with friends and family, these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! This recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen, and it never fails to bring smiles all around. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They come out soft, thick, and chewy every single time, making them hard to resist!

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Just a few simple ingredients and a little love are all you need to create something truly delicious. There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can have these cookies ready in no time—perfect for last-minute cravings!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike love chocolate chip cookies, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This dough can chill in the fridge, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Endless Flavor: With semi-sweet chocolate chips, each bite is filled with rich chocolate goodness that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chocolate chip cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful treats!

• 2 and 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
• 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; 340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Mix in Different Chips: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Include Dried Fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy surprise in every bite.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set aside so we can focus on creaming our butter next!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a handheld mixer), cream the softened butter with both sugars together for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in perfectly soft cookies. Then add in each egg one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to slowly mix in your dry ingredients from Step 1 into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you see no more flour streaks. Finally, gently fold in those delicious semi-sweet chocolate chips using low-speed until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps develop flavor and ensures your cookies stay thick while baking—no flat cookies here!

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so that your cookies don’t stick.

Step 6: Scoop Out Cookie Dough

Remove your chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Remember to leave some space between each ball so they have room to spread as they bake.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until you see lightly golden edges and set tops. Once they’re done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell heavenly as these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies come together beautifully. Enjoy sharing them—or keep them all for yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie is all about the little details, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies come out soft and chewy every time!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld and prevents spreading during baking. This results in thicker, chewier cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them cream together more smoothly, creating a better texture in your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cakey rather than chewy cookies.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; you want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them soft by providing moisture.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving these delightful cookies is almost as fun as baking them! Here are some creative ideas to present them beautifully and make your treat even more special.

Garnishes

• Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

• Glass of Cold Milk: The classic pairing that never fails! Cold milk complements the rich chocolate flavor and makes for a delightful dunking experience.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that turns simple cookies into a stunning sundae.
• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a well-rounded treat.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies while adding a burst of freshness to your dessert table.

Enjoy baking these soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies — they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, saving you time on busy days while ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer the cookies between parchment paper in a container to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookie dough to chill as directed, then scoop individual cookie portions onto a baking sheet.
• Freeze the scooped dough balls until firm, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the frozen cookie dough balls directly on a lined baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes longer than the original time.
• Let them cool slightly before indulging in that soft and chewy goodness!

FAQs

If you’re wondering about some common questions regarding this recipe, you’ve come to the right place!

Can I make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

How do I achieve the best texture for my Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies?

The key is chilling your dough! It helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thick, soft cookies.

What should I do if my cookies turn out too flat?

If your cookies spread too much, try checking your measurements or chilling your dough longer before baking.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate for a delightful twist.

How long will these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they can last up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re not just treats; they’re little bundles of comfort that can brighten any day. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo with your favorite book or movie, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!