The scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air is a warm embrace for anyone who walks into your kitchen. Chocolate chip cookies, those glorious sweet treats, are a comforting reminder of home, friends, and joyful moments shared. The BEST chewy chocolate chip cookies are packed with buttery flavor, perfectly crisp edges, and a wonderfully soft center that oozes semi-sweet chocolate—in other words, they are everything you could ever want in a cookie.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies

I still remember the first time I made chocolate chip cookies with my grandmother. We giggled through flour explosions and snuck spoonfuls of cookie dough when my mom wasn’t looking. It’s been a cherished family tradition ever since. What makes this recipe stand out is the impeccable balance of ingredients that guarantees each cookie emerges soft and chewy, making it a true crowd-pleaser. If you’re craving something nostalgic or seeking a simple dessert that’s sure to impress, you absolutely need to try this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip up a batch of these cookies in just about 35 minutes, including prep and baking time.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is filled with that buttery goodness and pockets of gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips that’ll have you coming back for more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully golden, promising a mouthwatering treat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in, a picnic, or a celebration with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking to make it gluten-free? You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour: This is your base, creating the structure of the cookies. Measure carefully for the best results.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that soft, chewy texture.
1 tablespoon corn starch: A key ingredient for achieving that soft chewiness—don’t skip it!
½ teaspoon salt: A vital flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate chips.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting aroma, pure vanilla is always best for flavor.
¾ cup unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, this adds richness and moisture to the dough. Unsalted keeps your cookies from becoming overly salty.
1 cup brown sugar: This contributes to the chewiness and depth of flavor; try using light brown sugar for a softer taste.
½ cup granulated sugar: Helps the cookies spread while maintaining their chewier texture.
1 egg, room temperature: Eggs bind the ingredients together, and bringing them to room temperature ensures better incorporation.
1 egg yolk, room temperature: More richness from the yolk adds to that perfect chewy center!
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, use high-quality chips for optimal flavor and meltiness.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies

Whisk the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, take the ¾ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Whisk together for about two minutes until the mixture looks well combined and creamy.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Next, whisk in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 room temperature egg, and 1 room temperature egg yolk. Continue whisking until the batter feels light and airy, making the flavors meld beautifully.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon corn starch, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix just until there are no dry streaks left—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft!

Stir in Chocolate Chips: Now, grab your 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and fold them into the dough. The more chocolate, the better, right? That’s what I always say!

Shape and Chill the Dough: Scoop out about ¼ cup of cookie dough for each cookie and roll them into smooth balls in your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and don’t forget to chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on a baking sheet or a silicone baking mat, ensuring they are placed about 3 inches apart for optimal spreading.

Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be golden brown while the centers look slightly underbaked. This will result in perfect, gooey, chewy centers.

Cool the Cookies: Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here—you want to enjoy them warm but not burn your tongue!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for an extended shelf life, though they may dry out a little. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well; wrap them individually and keep them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to refresh their gooey goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your unsalted butter is melted but not too hot; it should be just opaque to blend well without cooking the eggs.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies—this makes for uniform baking and pretty results.
Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture—it also helps prevent cookie spread, keeping them thick and hearty.
Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate for varied flavors.
If you prefer creamier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk for added richness.

Every cookie tells a story, and these chocolate chip cookies are bound to create many sweet memories for you and those you share them with. Whether it’s a craving at midnight or a delicious dessert for a gathering, these cookies are adaptable and satisfying. I encourage you to play around with the recipe—maybe add a sprinkle of sea salt on top or experiment with different types of chocolate. Enjoy each chewy bite and the happiness it brings to your day!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can mix semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a unique flavor profile. It’s all about what you love.

What if I don’t have corn starch?

If you don’t have corn starch on hand, you can use an equal amount of extra all-purpose flour. However, the texture might differ slightly—corn starch really helps with that chewy bite.

How can I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Avoid overbaking them! Pull them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look a tad underbaked. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet; this sets their shape and keeps them soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolled dough balls and bake them when you’re ready for a fresh batch!