Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked batch of chocolate chip cookies. When they’re soft, chewy, and filled with pockets of gooey chocolate, they’re nothing short of a dessert lover’s dream. Whether you’re looking to make a batch for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or a simple after-dinner treat, these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to hit the spot. With crispy edges, a tender center, and a balance of sweet and buttery flavors, these cookies are the perfect example of a classic that never gets old.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is everything you want in a chocolate chip cookie – easy to make, delicious, and irresistibly soft. What makes this recipe stand out is how simple it is, using basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand. No need for fancy gadgets or long chilling times, just mix, bake, and enjoy. Plus, these cookies are perfect for anyone who loves that classic bakery-style bite — crispy edges with a soft, chewy center. And they stay soft for days, which makes them a great make-ahead treat for events or simply to have around for the week.

Best of all? This recipe yields about 36 cookies, meaning you’ll have plenty to share, or not — because we all know how easy it is to sneak a few extra when no one’s looking.

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What Makes This Recipe Special?

If you’ve ever tried a store-bought chocolate chip cookie, you’ve probably noticed that they can sometimes be a little too crunchy or dry. The secret to this recipe’s perfect texture is in the balance of ingredients. The combination of unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar ensures the dough comes out perfectly moist and chewy. The brown sugar adds depth of flavor, while the granulated sugar ensures that delicate crispness around the edges. And let’s not forget about those semisweet chocolate chips that melt beautifully into the dough, giving you bursts of rich chocolate in every bite.

One of the best parts of this recipe is that there’s no need to chill the dough, which means you can go from mixing to baking in less than an hour. It’s truly a quick family meal dessert that’s perfect for a budget-friendly recipe when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make these soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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How to Make It Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) — the perfect temperature to get those golden, slightly crisp edges on your cookies. While the oven is heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is the foundation of your cookie dough, and whisking it ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set the bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly soft texture. The air incorporated into the butter and sugar will help the cookies rise and bake evenly. Don’t rush this process—it’s worth the extra minute.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. After the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract. This will give your dough a lovely aroma and add that warm, comforting flavor that makes chocolate chip cookies irresistible.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the dough, as that can lead to tough cookies. Once everything is blended, gently fold in the chocolate chips. This is the fun part—watch as the chips swirl into the dough, making the batter look like a gooey chocolate paradise.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Don’t worry about making them perfect — the beauty of homemade cookies is that they don’t have to look flawless to taste amazing!

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly underdone. This ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy in the middle. After you take them out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up a bit, while still keeping that soft interior.

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Tips for Best Results

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. Cold butter will be harder to mix and may cause the dough to be too dense. Room-temperature eggs mix more evenly into the dough.
• Do Not Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Gently fold in the chocolate chips to avoid overworking the dough.
• Underbake Slightly: If you’re looking for perfectly chewy cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. This will allow them to finish cooking as they cool.
• Let the Cookies Rest: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set without falling apart.

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Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Use Different Types of Chocolate: While semisweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, you can easily swap them out for milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or white chocolate chips for a unique twist. Even a mix of chocolates can give your cookies a complex, layered flavor.
• Add Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. About ½ cup should do the trick for a satisfying texture without overpowering the chocolate.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version of this cookie, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan chocolate chip cookie, swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes to thicken). Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Sweeteners: If you prefer a more natural sweetener, try substituting the granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind this will affect the texture slightly, but it adds a beautiful flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a more decadent dessert, top with a little whipped cream or even a caramel drizzle.

If you’re looking to pair these cookies with a drink, consider a nice hot cup of coffee or milk—the perfect pairing for your soft and chewy treats.

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Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Coffee: A smooth cup of coffee is the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of milk with chocolate chip cookies—it’s a match made in heaven.
• Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Fruit: Serve these cookies with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, for a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Once you’ve made these delicious soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies, you’re going to want to enjoy them for a few days, so here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies—this little trick helps maintain moisture.
• Freezing: If you want to keep your cookies fresh longer, freeze them! Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. These cookies will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature, or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Unbaked Cookie Dough: Want freshly baked cookies on demand? You can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

These cookies are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 72 hours. Just scoop the dough and freeze the portions for fresh cookies whenever you want them.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Always mix until just combined.
• Using Warm Butter: If your butter is too warm, it may cause the cookies to spread too much. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
• Not Checking Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. If you’re unsure, use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is baking at the right temperature.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I make cookies extra soft? Don’t overbake! Take them out when the centers are still slightly underdone.
• Can I chill the dough? Yes, chilling helps develop flavor and thicker cookies, but it’s not essential.
• What butter works best? Unsalted butter gives you better control over flavor.
• Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• How do I store cookie dough? Scoop dough balls and freeze them on a tray before storing them in a freezer bag.

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Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional)

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