Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling your kitchen. Our easy homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Whether you’re a baking novice or experienced cook, this foolproof recipe will give you perfectly chewy cookies with crisp edges every single time.
This classic recipe uses basic pantry staples and requires no special equipment—just a bit of patience and love. The secret to these incredible cookies lies in the perfect balance of brown sugar for chewiness and just the right baking time for that golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer).
Step 4: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are set but still soft.
Step 9: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to tough cookies.
Butter Temperature Matters: Use softened butter, not melted. Softened butter creams better with sugars for optimal texture.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Baking Sheet Position: Bake one sheet at a time in the center rack for even cooking.
Use Quality Chocolate: Good quality chocolate chips make a noticeable difference in flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A: Yes, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana.
Q: How do I store chocolate chip cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Why are my cookies flat?
A: Flat cookies are often caused by melted butter or dough that’s too warm. Chill the dough before baking.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are set but still soft.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
