Irresistibly Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. If you’re like me, you know that Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a comforting hug in dessert form. This recipe has been my go-to for years, and I promise you’ll find that they turn out perfect every single time. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a celebration with friends, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself, these cookies will fit right in.
What makes these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies so special is their delightful texture and rich flavor. The soft and chewy centers contrast beautifully with the slightly crispy edges, making each bite utterly satisfying. You can whip them up for any occasion or just to brighten up your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Perfect texture: Enjoy cookies that are thick, soft, and chewy—just like you love them.
– Simple ingredients: With pantry staples, these cookies come together easily.
– Versatile delight: Great for parties, gifts, or simply enjoying at home.
– Family favorite: Everyone will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).
– Freezable dough: Make ahead and bake whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving cookie perfection. Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredible Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies:
For the Cookie Dough
– 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces)
Variations
The beauty of baking is that you can always mix things up! Here are some fun variations to try:
– Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
– Use different chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chunks.
– Try oatmeal: Mix in some rolled oats for added texture and chewiness.
– Experiment with spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or sea salt on top can enhance the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies rise perfectly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a handheld mixer), cream the softened butter with both sugars together for about 1 to 2 minutes until well combined. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture we all crave. Next, add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add in your dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout your dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling not only helps develop flavors but also prevents your cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—this will ensure easy removal of your cookies after baking.
Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough
Remove your chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each one so they have room to spread.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until you see that the edges are lightly golden brown while the tops look set. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that you know how easy it is to create these delightful Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few expert tips, you can ensure your soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time! Here are some handy suggestions to elevate your baking game:
– Chill the dough before baking: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours helps to develop flavors and gives the cookies that perfect chewy texture.
– Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature allows them to blend more easily, creating a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
– Don’t overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
– Pay attention to baking time: For super soft cookies, make sure to take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the center looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
– Opt for quality chocolate: Using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips enhances the flavor of your cookies and makes them even more decadent.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Presenting your freshly baked cookies can be just as fun as making them! There are so many ways to enjoy these soft and chewy treats that will surely delight everyone.
Garnishes
– Sprinkle sea salt on top: A light sprinkling of flaky sea salt adds a beautiful contrast to the sweetness.
– Drizzle with melted chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
– Serve with fresh fruit: Pairing your cookies with fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
– Glass of milk: Classic chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed with a cold glass of milk—perfect for dipping!
– Coffee or tea: Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.
– Ice cream: Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or non-dairy ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
– Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping is an excellent way to have delicious treats ready at your fingertips! Here’s how to store your soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies properly.
Storing Leftovers
– Place them in an airtight container: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in a container at room temperature for up to one week.
– Add a slice of bread: Including a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture, keeping your cookies soft.
Freezing
– Freeze before baking: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen; just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
– Freeze baked cookies: Let fully cooled cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months.
Reheating
– Microwave method: For warm, gooey goodness, microwave individual cookies for about 10 seconds until warmed through.
– Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5 minutes for that freshly baked taste.
FAQs
Baking can sometimes raise questions, especially when it comes to perfecting those beloved chocolate chip cookies. Here are some common inquiries answered!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, making it denser but still delicious!
What can I substitute for eggs?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg. This will help bind ingredients while keeping the cookies moist.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still look soft in the center. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter chips into your cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making these soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! There’s something magical about biting into a warm cookie filled with melted chocolate. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s create something sweet together! Happy baking!
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars for about 1 to 2 minutes until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Slowly add in your dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
