There’s something irresistibly comforting about soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies. They evoke warm memories of time spent in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting the delicious aroma that fills the air as they bake. With just the right balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness, they make for the perfect treat anytime—whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. The best part? This delightful recipe is straightforward and won’t take much time at all.
These cookies stand out for their incredible texture, offering a soft center with slightly crisp edges. They’re ideal for anyone who loves a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite. You’ll love to share them with family and friends, or even as a treat for yourself!
Why you’ll love soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for beginners.
- Always a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Versatile flavor—great for customizing with your favorite add-ins.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness that satisfies cravings.
- Store well, making them great for meal prep.
What ingredients do I need for soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies?
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best for controlling salt levels.
- Sugars: The combination of brown and granulated adds to the chewy texture.
- Allergies: Contains dairy and gluten; consider alternatives if needed.
How do I make soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies step-by-step?
Making these cookies is simple! You’ll cream the butter and sugars, add the eggs and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Pro Tip: For extra chewiness, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Look for a soft, golden edge and a slightly underbaked center to achieve the perfect texture.
How should I serve it?
These cookies are fantastic on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Consider dusting them with a bit of sea salt for a sophisticated twist, or enjoy them with a glass of cold milk—it’s a classic pairing that’s hard to beat!
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5–10 minutes until heated through.
How do I fix common issues?
If your cookies turn out dry, it might be due to overmixing the dough or baking too long. For bland cookies, ensure you’re using fresh ingredients, especially baking soda. If they spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to customize your cookies! Consider adding chopped nuts or swapping half the chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips. You can also mix in oats for added texture or experiment with different types of chocolate like dark or white chocolate.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but for optimal flavor and texture, butter is recommended. Margarine may affect the cookie’s chewiness.
How can I make them more chocolatey?
Increase the chocolate chips to 2 1/2 cups or add some cocoa powder to the dough for rich chocolate flavor.
Why are my cookies flat?
Cookies may flatten out due to too much butter or not enough flour. Measure carefully and ensure the butter is softened but not melted.
Enjoy the delightful process of making and sharing these soft and chewy cookies—each bite is sure to bring a smile!
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.