I absolutely love this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between soft, chewy, and just a little crisp around the edges. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and a quick mixing method produced cookies that my whole family goes crazy for. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a last-minute gathering, or simply craving a comforting snack, this recipe really delivers every time.
You’ll find that these cookies are incredibly versatile and forgiving, making them great for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, the addition of cornstarch in the dough gives them a tender texture that’s a lovely twist on your classic chocolate chip cookie. Trust me, once you make this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for any cookie craving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: The cornstarch in the dough makes these cookies soft and tender with just the right chewiness.
- Quick & Easy: You mix everything in just two bowls without any complicated steps or chilling time.
- Customizable Chocolate Load: You can adjust how chocolatey you want your cookies by using a whole bag or just half.
- Bakes Fast: At 475°F, these cookies bake in under 7 minutes, perfect for when you want a fast sweet fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a role in creating the perfect bite, from the balance of sugars to the crucial cold butter for texture. When shopping, look for high-quality chocolate chips and fresh baking soda for the best results.
- Flour: Gives structure; I prefer all-purpose flour for that classic cookie crumb.
- Cornstarch: This little addition makes cookies extra soft and tender—trust me, don’t skip it!
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without too much puff.
- Cold butter: Cut into small pieces; cold butter helps achieve that perfect spread and texture.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and crisp edges.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that delicious caramel note.
- Egg: Binds everything together and keeps cookies chewy.
- Vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor we all love in baked goods.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient—go for good quality; it makes a difference.
- Walnut pieces (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty depth if you like a bit of extra texture.
Variations
I love how flexible this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to match your taste or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different mix-ins and substitutions, making it easy to make these cookies your own!
- Nut-Free: Just skip the walnuts, and you have a nut-free version that everyone can enjoy safely in my family.
- Extra Chocolatey: I sometimes double the chocolate chips or swap half for dark chocolate chunks for more intense cocoa flavor.
- Chewy & Soft: Using more brown sugar or adding a tablespoon of honey ups the chewiness—a trick I learned that really works.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free mix; just watch the texture and adjust as needed.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 475°F—yes, it’s a bit hotter than some cookie recipes, but this is what gives you that quick baking time and a beautiful golden top. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking, which is an absolute game-changer for clean removal and easy cleanup. Trust me, don’t skip the parchment!
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a smaller bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda until they’re evenly combined. This step is essential because it helps distribute the leavening agent and cornstarch evenly, so your cookies bake consistently and achieve that soft texture throughout.
Step 3: Mix Butter, Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla
Break your cold butter into small pieces to help it incorporate easily and mix it with the granulated and brown sugar in a larger bowl. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use a spoon or spatula here rather than electric mixers—it’s easier and keeps the dough a bit sturdier.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix or your cookies might turn out tough. At this point, add in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using), and mix gently until everything is evenly distributed. You’ll notice the dough is a little thick and chunky, which is exactly what you want!
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough balls and space them a couple of inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 6 to 7 minutes or until the tops start turning a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them because ovens vary, and those few extra seconds make a big difference for chewiness.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove your cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes right on the baking tray—they’ll keep baking a bit internally and firm up without drying out. I absolutely love these cookies warm, fresh from the oven, when they’re soft and melty. If you can, grab one immediately—it’s the best way to enjoy this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Butter Temperature: Using cold butter, not softened, helps control spread and keeps cookies thick and chewy.
- High Oven Heat: Baking at 475°F for a short time gives you golden edges with a soft center—just watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough just enough to combine ingredients—overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Parchment Paper Magic: Using parchment prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly with nice bottom browning.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with these cookies, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can take the flavor to the next level. When serving for a gathering, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make these cookies feel extra special without much effort.
Side Dishes
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is with a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee—nothing beats that classic combo! For a more decadent option, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged these cookies in a festive gift box layered with parchment and tied with ribbon—so cute and thoughtful as a homemade gift. You can also sandwich two cookies together with softened buttercream or peanut butter for a fun twist that always wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which keeps them soft and fresh. I add a slice of bread inside the container—it’s an old trick I learned to keep cookies from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the dough and baked cookies with great success. For dough, scoop the balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well wrapped tightly and thaw quickly at room temp.
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 4-5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked softness and gooey chocolate goodness—my go-to trick when craving that oven-warm feeling again.
FAQs
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Can I use softened butter instead of cold butter in this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
You can use softened butter, but using cold butter helps control how much the cookies spread, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. If you use softened butter, the cookies may spread wider and thinner during baking. So for best texture, I recommend sticking with cold butter.
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Why is cornstarch added to this chocolate chip cookie dough?
Cornstarch helps create a tender, soft crumb in the cookies. It softens the overall texture without altering the flavor, making these cookies delightfully chewy and not cakey. It’s a little secret I discovered that really upgrades your usual chocolate chip cookie.
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Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute dairy butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax or chia egg replacer for the egg. Be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips as well. Texture might be slightly different, but these swaps work well for dairy-free or vegan versions.
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How do I make the cookies extra large like you mentioned?
Simply double the size of your cookie dough balls to about 2 tablespoons each, place them on your baking sheet, and increase the baking time to 9-10 minutes. You’ll get thick, giant cookies that still keep soft centers, perfect for sharing or a big indulgence.
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Why do you bake these cookies at such a high temperature?
Baking at 475°F helps the cookies set quickly with crisp edges while keeping the centers soft and gooey. It also means a fast bake time so you can satisfy those cookie cravings sooner. Just be sure to watch them closely—they can go from golden to burnt in a minute!
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen because it blends simplicity, speed, and unbeatable flavor all in one. I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I do—soft, tender, and packed with melty chocolate chips that make every bite a little moment of joy. So go ahead, grab your mixing bowls and give it a try—you’ll be making these again and again!
PrintChocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic Chocolate Chip Cookies featuring a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers. Combining the richness of butter and brown sugar with generous semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional walnuts, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold butter (1 stick)
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 10-11 oz, or half a bag for less chocolate)
- 1/4 cup walnut pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (246°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal baking temperature for crisp, golden cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a smaller bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda until fully combined, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Butter: Cut the cold butter into small pieces to help it blend smoothly with the sugars in the next step.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix butter pieces with granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently stir the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix, until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional walnut pieces evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Use a tablespoon to scoop cookie dough balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes, keeping an eye for the tops to turn golden brown; this ensures a perfect texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets to continue setting. For softest results, enjoy warm.
Notes
- Tip: To make extra large cookies, double the size of each dough ball using 2-tablespoon scoops and increase baking time to 9-10 minutes, yielding about 9 larger cookies.
- Cookies continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven, so avoid overbaking for optimal softness.
- Optional walnuts add a delightful crunch but can be omitted if preferred or for nut allergies.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 28g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg