Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Easy
If you’re searching for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe that delivers soft, chewy, bakery-style cookies every single time, you’ve just found it. These cookies come together quickly, require no chilling, and bake beautifully golden with gooey chocolate in every bite. Perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, or late-night cravings.
Why These Chocolate Chip Cookies Are the Best
- Soft and chewy center with lightly crisp edges
- No chilling required – mix and bake
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Makes a large batch (about 36 cookies)
- Customizable with nuts, extra chips, or different sugars
Ingredients
Yields: ~36 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated white sugar | 1 cup |
| Packed brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Hot water | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 2 cups |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | 1 cup |
How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, giving your cookies the perfect texture.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Dissolve Baking Soda
Dissolve the baking soda in hot water, then add it to the dough along with the salt. This helps the cookies rise evenly.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour until the dough is fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips & Nuts
Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using). The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. For even cookies, use a cookie scoop.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use softened—not melted—butter for best texture.
- Underbake slightly for softer, chewier cookies.
- Use a mix of chocolate chip sizes for more chocolate in every bite.
- Let the cookies rest on the tray after baking for extra tenderness.
- For thicker cookies, add 1 more tablespoon of flour.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.
- Freeze dough: Freeze scooped dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding +2 minutes.
Perfect for Parties & Holidays
These chocolate chip cookies are always a hit at birthday parties, Christmas gatherings, potlucks, school events, and weekend family baking. They store and travel well, making them ideal for gifting or packing in lunchboxes.
This is the recipe friends and family beg for repeatedly — the soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor make them unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
If you want a foolproof, crowd-pleasing cookie recipe, this is the one. It’s simple, fast, reliable, and absolutely delicious. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought cookies again.