There is nothing quite like the pure joy that comes from biting into a perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, and this Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe delivers just that in every bite. These cookies strike the ideal balance between tender softness and just enough golden edges to provide delightful texture, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From the warm vanilla aroma to the gooey pockets of rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, this recipe is your ticket to homemade cookie bliss that feels both familiar and special at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role to create the perfect cookie. From the rich butter that adds lusciousness to the precise amount of flour that ensures the lovely soft texture, these simple staples come together beautifully to make magic happen.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and a tender crumb, making the cookies delectably soft.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create that subtle crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, tightly packed): Contributes moisture and a slight caramel note for extra depth.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Help bind ingredients and enrich the dough for softness and chew.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Boosts overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups, measured correctly): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking soda (1 tsp, sifted): Leavens the cookies gently for a light texture without excessive rise.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s richness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups, with 1/4 cup reserved): Melts to gooey perfection, studding the cookies inside and out.
How to Make Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F and lining your baking sheets with parchment or a Silpat liner to prevent sticking. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter along with the brown and granulated sugars for about 5 minutes on medium-high speed. This process is key to incorporating air, giving the cookies their tender lightness and creamy texture. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl as you go to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps your dough achieve a smooth, uniform consistency. Follow it up by mixing in the vanilla extract, which enhances the flavor complexity, making your cookies smell and taste simply irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Chocolate Chips
In a separate bowl, mix your flour, sifted baking soda, and salt. Sifting is essential here to eliminate any lumps and ensure your cookies bake evenly. Add this dry mixture to the buttery wet ingredients in thirds, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, fold in 2 cups of those luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly for maximum chocolaty moments.
Step 4: Scoop and Prepare Cookies for Baking
Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough into even balls—about 3 tablespoons each—onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Roll each ball lightly with your hands and then press a few of the reserved chocolate chips on top for an inviting, chocolate-studded appearance. You can bake them immediately or refrigerate the dough for later; either way works beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe one sheet at a time for 12 to 15 minutes at 350˚F, aiming for the edges to turn just golden while the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures that wonderfully soft texture you’re after. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them set perfectly without losing their tender bite.
How to Serve Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking. This little touch makes the chocolate flavors pop and adds a delightful contrast to the sweet, soft cookie. For an extra treat, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the top once cooled for a gourmet look and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a classic pairing that never fails. For grown-up gatherings, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of steaming coffee or hot cocoa to turn simple cookies into an unforgettable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making cookie sandwiches by spreading a layer of peanut butter, Nutella, or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for a fun twist. You can also crumble these soft cookies over yogurt or ice cream as a crunchy, sweet topping—perfect for adding texture and flavor to your favorite treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread in the container alongside the cookies can help maintain that perfect chewy texture by absorbing excess dryness.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy the Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies after freezing or storage, warm them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300˚F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and gooey chocolate charm that makes them so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is important in this Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture. Margarine or oil can alter the taste and consistency, often leading to less flavorful and firmer cookies. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
How do I make sure my cookies come out soft every time?
Make sure to not overbake your cookies – remove them from the oven when edges are just turning golden and the tops still look slightly undercooked. Also, measuring flour correctly and not skimping on the brown sugar will ensure your cookies stay moist and soft.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference, but semi-sweet chips give the perfect richness without being too sweet.
Why do you recommend chilling the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps control spreading, which means your cookies will keep a nice shape and develop that soft, chewy center without becoming crispy or thin. Plus, it enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together over time.
How do I prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper or a Silpat liner is the best way to prevent sticking and promote even baking. If you don’t have those, lightly grease your pan, but keep in mind it might affect the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a go-to dessert that feels like a comforting hug from the inside out, this Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Simple ingredients come together to deliver that classic softness with melting pockets of chocolate that never fail to delight. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and enjoy the delicious magic of fresh-from-the-oven cookies with your favorite people.
Print
Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 26 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe yields 26 perfectly chewy and tender cookies with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout. Made with a creamy butter and brown sugar base, these classic cookies bake up golden at the edges while remaining delightfully soft inside. Ideal for baking ahead or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured correctly
- 1 tsp baking soda, sifted
- 1 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz), divided, reserving 1/4 cup for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat liners to ensure cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture is creamy and light in color, scraping down the bowl periodically to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then, add vanilla extract and blend thoroughly to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to remove lumps and aerate the mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar in three additions, mixing after each until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a soft texture. Fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the dough.
- Scoop and Shape Dough: Using a 3-tablespoon ice cream scoop, portion out even scoops of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Each ball should be lightly rolled between your hands to create a smooth surface. Press the reserved 1/4 cup of chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls for an attractive finish.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time for about 12 to 15 minutes at 350˚F, aiming for 12 minutes or until edges turn just golden but the tops still appear slightly underbaked. This ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy inside.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with the sugars.
- Measuring flour correctly by spooning into a measuring cup and leveling off will prevent dry or dense cookies.
- You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking for enhanced flavor development.
- Use parchment or Silpat liners to avoid sticking and for easier clean-up.
- For a softer cookie, do not overbake; edges should be golden but center slightly underdone.
