BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings back warm memories and makes your heart sing, you’ve found it! The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only a favorite in my home, but they are also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering with friends, these cookies fit perfectly into any occasion. They come together quickly—no waiting for dough to chill—and they deliver on both taste and texture. Soft and gooey on the inside with a satisfying crispness on the outside, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

And trust me, there’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. It’s an invitation for everyone to gather around and enjoy a little sweet moment together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is no-chill and mixed by hand, making it perfect for last-minute cravings!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out when it comes to mixing and scooping the dough.
• Versatile: Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or just that late-night snack craving.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of semisweet chocolate chips and flaky sea salt creates a delightful contrast.
• Baking Confidence: Even if you’re new to baking, these cookies will boost your skills and confidence!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/3 cups (170g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups (250g) semisweet chocolate chips (I like Trader Joe’s, Guittard, or Ghirardelli) + more for topping
• Flaky sea salt

Variations

One of the best things about this cookie recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have or what flavors you love. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist!
• Try Different Chocolates: Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in Oats: For extra chewiness, add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the dough.
• Infuse Flavors: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or orange zest to brighten up the taste.

How to Make BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the start. While that’s warming up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with both sugars. Whisk vigorously until it reaches a paste-like consistency—this step creates that chewy texture we all love! Next, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to mix dry with wet! Pour in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula to fold everything together. Be gentle; we want to avoid overmixing! Leave some streaks of flour before adding in those delicious chocolate chips.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a large cookie scoop (or measuring cup), portion out your dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes—12 minutes for gooey cookies and closer to 15 minutes for more well-done ones. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for golden edges with soft centers.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt and top them off with extra chocolate chips if desired. Let them cool on the pan for just a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Enjoy!

After letting them cool slightly (if you can wait!), take one bite of these warm cookies filled with melty chocolate goodness—you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!

With each batch baked from this recipe, you’ll find yourself creating not just cookies but memories too! Enjoy every crumb!

Pro Tips for Making BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter and egg at room temperature ensures they blend smoothly, creating a better dough texture and flavor.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents the cookies from being too dense or dry, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Folding the ingredients just until combined helps maintain the cookies’ soft center and chewy edges. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

• Chill the dough slightly if needed: If your dough feels too warm or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps control spread and ensures a thicker cookie.

• Experiment with chocolate chips: Mixing different types of chocolate chips (like dark and semisweet) adds depth to the flavor, making each bite a delicious surprise.

How to Serve BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are not just tasty; they can also be presented beautifully for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle on top enhances sweetness and adds a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies elevates their appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. Try whole milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative for a refreshing sip.
• Ice cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or apples provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of chocolate chip cookies.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage makes for a cozy dessert experience, bringing out the richness of the chocolate.

Enjoy these tips and serving suggestions as you whip up your batch of BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in no time and enjoy fresh cookies whenever you crave a sweet treat. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them for maximum deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Once cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your bags!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
• Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft again.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a melty chocolate experience!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while making these delightful cookies.

What makes these the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies?

These cookies are truly the BEST because they offer the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a rich flavor that elevates them above standard recipes.

Can I substitute ingredients in this BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or use coconut oil instead of butter if you’re looking for dairy-free options. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.

How do I ensure my BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies come out perfectly?

To achieve cookie perfection, make sure your butter is melted and cooled but not hot when mixing. Also, avoid over-mixing once you add the dry ingredients; this helps retain that soft, chewy texture we all love.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields approximately 9 large or 12 regular-sized cookies, making it ideal for sharing or savoring yourself!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just any cookies; they’re a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, these treats will surely bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, get mixing, and let those chocolatey aromas fill your kitchen. Happy baking!