Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Few things in life are as universally loved as a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. There’s a reason this classic treat has remained a favorite for generations—it’s the ultimate comfort food. These Best Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced with crispy edges, making them irresistible straight from the oven or with a cold glass of milk.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies hit all the right notes: buttery, sweet, chocolatey, and slightly salty on top. Plus, they’re easy enough for beginners to nail, but impressive enough to share at a holiday party, bake sale, or casual get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big, soft cookies: Generous portions for maximum indulgence.
• Perfectly balanced texture: Crispy edges with a soft, almost underbaked center.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples you likely already have.
• Customizable chocolate: Use chips, chunks, or a mix for texture variation.
• Hint of salt: Coarse sea salt elevates the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Reliable results: Foolproof technique for soft, chewy cookies every time.

Ingredients Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, barely melted but not too hot
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 large egg

Mix-Ins

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or half chips, half chunks)
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Servings: Approximately 20 large cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large cookie scoop (about 2 rounded tablespoons)
• Parchment-lined baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents, giving you perfectly soft cookies.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing at this stage will develop gluten and make the cookies less soft. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks evenly.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 2 rounded tablespoons), drop the dough about 3 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. This spacing allows cookies to spread without merging.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will appear slightly underbaked.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle each one with a little coarse sea salt. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to finish setting before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Tips & Variations

• Cookie size: Use a medium scoop for smaller cookies; adjust baking time accordingly.
• Chocolate variety: Mix in milk, dark, or white chocolate chunks for a unique twist.
• Nuts: Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
• Chewy center: Underbake slightly and let the cookies finish cooking on the baking sheet.
• Flavor enhancers: A teaspoon of espresso powder intensifies chocolate flavor.
• Vegan option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste and Texture:

• Buttery and rich with a soft, chewy center
• Crispy edges that provide a satisfying bite
• Sweet, with a slight saltiness from the sea salt
• Chocolatey with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips

Serving Suggestions:

• With a glass of cold milk for classic comfort
• As a base for ice cream sandwiches
• Crumbled over yogurt or pudding for dessert topping

Nutritional Overview

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	182 kcal
Protein	1.8 g
Carbohydrates	22.1 g
Fat	9.8 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Sugar	12.4 g
Fiber	0.4 g
Sodium	224 mg
Cholesterol	33.7 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Dough storage: Refrigerate cookie dough for up to 3 days; let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking.
• Freezing dough: Shape into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
• Baked cookie storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. Reheat briefly for that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

Q1: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: Your butter might be too hot or the dough too thin. Use butter that’s barely melted and chill the dough if necessary.

Q2: How do I get soft centers with crispy edges?
A: Bake until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underdone, then let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Q4: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
A: Absolutely. Adjust sweetness slightly if using very dark chocolate.

Q5: What is the role of apple cider vinegar?
A: It reacts with the baking soda to create lift and tenderness, giving a softer texture.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients	10 min
Mix dough	5 min
Scoop onto baking sheet	5 min
Bake	8–10 min
Cool & finish	10 min
Total	25–30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
• Make cookie sandwiches with peanut butter or Nutella
• Crumble over milkshakes or hot chocolate for a fun treat

Recipe Variations

1. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and use all chocolate chunks.
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup peanut butter chips.
3. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace ½ cup flour with rolled oats for a hearty twist.
4. Salted Caramel Cookies: Add caramel bits and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Chocolate chips/chunks: Choose high-quality semisweet chocolate for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Butter: Barely melted butter helps achieve that soft yet structured cookie.
• Apple cider vinegar: Small amount aids in creating a tender crumb by activating the baking soda.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always use parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
• Do not overmix dough—stop as soon as flour is incorporated.
• For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop.
• Cool slightly on the pan before moving to a rack to retain softness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cookie dough balls: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies: Airtight container at room temp 4–5 days; freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	182 kcal
Protein	1.8 g
Carbs	22.1 g
Fat	9.8 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Fiber	0.4 g
Sugar	12.4 g

Expanded Conclusion

These Best Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything a classic cookie should be: big, soft, buttery, and loaded with chocolate. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers and impressive enough to share at gatherings. The combination of soft centers, crispy edges, and a touch of sea salt makes them truly irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for dessert, a snack, or a holiday treat, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy every chocolate craving. Bookmark this recipe—you’ll be returning to it time and time again.

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