Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are my absolute favorite. They have that perfect balance of softness and chewiness that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies fit every occasion. You’ll find yourself reaching for one (or two!) every time they come out of the oven!

What makes this recipe especially special is how simple and comforting it is. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home will warm your heart and bring smiles all around. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have dough ready to go in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies; they’re a sure hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: Rich chocolate chips combined with a soft, buttery base create an unforgettable taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delightful cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 and 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce package (2 cups; 340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

One of the best things about these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies is how flexible the recipe is! You can easily customize them to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Chips: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
• Incorporate Oats: For a heartier cookie, add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough.
• Experiment with Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm twist to your cookies.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to ensure that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which leads to perfectly risen cookies. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a handheld mixer), cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 1 to 2 minutes until well combined. This process creates tiny air pockets that make your cookies soft and fluffy! Next, add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Be sure to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything mixes evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to slowly mix in those dry ingredients! Add them gradually into your wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle here. Once incorporated, fold in those delicious chocolate chips on low speed until they’re evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Chill Your Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps develop flavors while also ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Once your dough has chilled almost long enough, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it heats up, line three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 6: Scoop Out the Dough

After chilling, remove your cookie dough from the fridge. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Remember to leave some space between each scoop so they have room to spread while baking!

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Place those trays in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until you see lightly golden-brown edges and set tops. The centers may look slightly underbaked – that’s okay! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it — deliciously Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies that everyone will adore! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking the perfect cookie can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you achieve that soft and chewy texture every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother dough and softer cookies.

• Do not overmix the dough: Once you’ve combined the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture we want.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps to develop flavor and prevents spreading during baking, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.

• Watch your bake time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.

• Store properly: To maintain their freshness and softness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to help keep them moist!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are not only delightful on their own but can also shine with some thoughtful presentation ideas.

Garnishes

• Sea salt sprinkle: A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for a beautiful finish that adds an extra chocolatey touch.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! Serve with a glass of cold milk for dunking, which complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Coffee or espresso: The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making it an excellent afternoon treat.
• Ice cream: Pair these warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or any favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices adds a refreshing touch that contrasts well with the rich flavors of chocolate chip cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re ready to create memorable moments around your Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family or savoring them all on your own. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have these delicious treats ready whenever a craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For optimal freshness, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months.
• Label the bags with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• To enjoy freshly baked flavor, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes, until they are just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help maintain moisture and texture.

How do I ensure my Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies stay soft?

To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container right after they cool. You can also add a slice of bread to the container; it will help maintain moisture.

What makes these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies different from others?

This recipe features a perfect balance of butter and sugars that create a delightful texture—thick, chewy centers with just the right amount of crispness on the edges.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. The cookies will still be wonderfully soft and chewy!

How long does it take to chill the cookie dough?

For best results, refrigerate the cookie dough for at least two hours before baking. This helps enhance the flavors and ensures that each cookie holds its shape while baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies! This recipe is special because it combines simple ingredients with wholesome love, resulting in a delightful treat that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy making them as much as you enjoy sharing them! Happy baking!