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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect texture – chewy centers with crispy edges
• Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients
• No chilling required (though optional for thicker cookies)
• Customizable with different types of chocolate
• Freezer-friendly dough for fresh cookies anytime

Tools You'll Need

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (165g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (115g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For Extra Flavor (Optional):

• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (enhances chocolate flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. If using espresso powder or cinnamon, add it here.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
8. Optional Chill: For thicker cookies, chill dough balls for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.
9. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but centers still look slightly underbaked.
10. Cool: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
11. Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately after removing from oven.

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for proper creaming
• Don't overmix the dough after adding flour – mix until just combined
• For consistently sized cookies, use a cookie scoop
• Underbake slightly for chewier cookies (they continue cooking on the hot sheet)
• Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning
• Let cookies cool completely on a rack for the perfect texture

Recipe Variations

• Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder
• Sea Salt Caramel: Add caramel bits and sprinkle with sea salt
• M&M Cookies: Replace chocolate chips with M&Ms
• Peanut Butter Chip: Use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate
• White Chocolate Macadamia: Use white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts
• Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Vegan: Use vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate

FAQs

Why are my cookies flat?
Butter might have been too warm, or you might need more flour. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt amount. If using salted butter, reduce added salt to ½ teaspoon.

What's the secret to chewy cookies?
Brown sugar creates chewiness. Also, don't overbake – cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out.

Can I use different chocolate?
Absolutely! Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of chocolate chunks and chips.

These Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a recipe – they're a taste of nostalgia, a comfort food staple, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their perfect chewy-crispy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they're everything you want in a chocolate chip cookie and more.

Whether you're baking for a special occasion, a school event, or just a weekend treat, these cookies deliver every time. The dough freezes beautifully too, so you can always have fresh-baked cookies ready in minutes.

If you try this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the dish! Your feedback helps us create better recipes for everyone.