Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic & Soft

Discover how to make easy homemade chocolate chip cookies that are soft, chewy, and perfect every time. Try this simple recipe today for delicious results.

Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love It

Easy homemade chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners or anyone craving classic cookies without fuss. With pantry staples and simple steps, you’ll have fresh-baked cookies ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect sweet snack, dessert, or a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Looking for other simple treats? Check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners to balance your meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or substitute with plant-based butter for dairy-free)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (can use coconut sugar for a refined sugar swap)
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour blend is a good alternative)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (dairy-free chips for vegan option)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, fully mixing each before adding the next; then stir in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring well to combine.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake cookies for 9-12 minutes or until edges turn golden but centers remain soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Expert Tips

Use room temperature butter for the best cookie texture. Don’t overmix once you add flour to avoid tough cookies. Baking time affects chewiness—less time for softer centers, more time for crispier edges. If you want thicker cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze raw dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Variations

• Vegan: Use flax eggs and dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup alternatives and adjust wet ingredients slightly.

FAQ

What makes these chocolate chip cookies soft?

The combination of brown sugar and the right baking time keeps these cookies soft and chewy.

Can I freeze these chocolate chip cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both baked cookies and dough balls for up to 3 months.

How do I avoid cookies spreading too much?

Use cold dough and ensure you measure flour accurately to prevent excess spreading.

Are these easy homemade chocolate chip cookies suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This straightforward recipe is perfect even if you’re new to baking.

Can I substitute chocolate chips for nuts?

Yes, adding chopped nuts along with or instead of chocolate chips works well.

We’d love to hear about your cookie baking experience! Please comment, rate, save, and share this recipe.