Description
This Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe delivers tender and chewy cookies with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips studded throughout. Perfectly balanced with a light golden edge and a soft under-baked center, these homemade cookies are simple to make and ideal for any occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- 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
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (177˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients. Then beat in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to remove lumps. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture in three additions, mixing just until incorporated each time. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 2 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving 1/4 cup to decorate the tops of the cookies later.
- Shape Dough Balls: Using a 3-tablespoon ice cream scoop, portion out the cookie dough into evenly sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Lightly roll each dough ball with your hands and press the reserved chocolate chips on top to decorate.
- Chill if Desired: You may bake immediately or cover and refrigerate the dough balls until ready to bake. This helps enhance flavor and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, ideally around 12 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. The cookie tops should still look soft and under-baked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps cookies finish baking and maintain softness.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened for easier creaming and to achieve the right texture.
- Measuring flour correctly (spooned into cup and leveled) prevents dry or tough cookies.
- You can refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- Do not over-bake to keep cookies soft and chewy; edges should be golden, but centers still look slightly underdone.
- Use a consistent size scoop for uniform cookie baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
