These soft chocolate chip cookies are everything you want in a cookie: chewy, buttery, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. The combination of brown sugar and white sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness, while the vanilla extract adds a rich, warm flavor. With a simple method and just a few ingredients, you can bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies that are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, measured correctly*
1 tsp baking soda, sifted
1 tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz), divided (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of white sugar, and 2 sticks of softened butter. Beat on medium/high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of sifted baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds, mixing to incorporate each addition.
Gently fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips, reserving 1/4 cup for topping the cookies.
Use an ice cream scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to form evenly sized dough balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Lightly roll each dough ball and press the reserved chocolate chips into the tops of the dough balls.
Bake one sheet at a time for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the tops still look slightly undercooked. (We recommend baking for 12 minutes.)
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These soft chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves chewy, gooey cookies with just the right amount of sweetness. The combination of granulated and brown sugar creates a rich, caramelized flavor, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips make each bite irresistible. With a straightforward process and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels and makes a batch of cookies that everyone will love.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Cookie Size: For larger cookies, use a bigger scoop (4 tablespoons per dough ball) and adjust the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Smaller cookies can be made by using a smaller scoop.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Chocolate Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, for a slightly different flavor profile.
Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
Flour Substitution: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Cookies can spread too much if the dough is too warm or if there’s too much butter. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spreading.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw before baking.

How do I store soft chocolate chip cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.

Serving and Suggestions

These soft chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They’re perfect for holiday baking, parties, or as a homemade gift for friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm beverage or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit.