Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

 

Soft, Chewy, and Loaded with Chocolate

This is the classic, timeless chocolate chip cookie recipe. With crisp edges, a soft and chewy center, and plenty of chocolate in every bite, these cookies are guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Makes: Approximately 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated white sugar

• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons hot water

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• Large mixing bowls

• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Rubber spatula

• Baking sheets (ungreased)

• Wire cooling racks

• Cookie scoop or large spoon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position racks in the center of the oven.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Activate the Baking Soda
In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the 2 teaspoons of hot water. Pour this mixture into the batter and stir to combine. Add the salt and mix briefly.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using) with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.

6. Scoop and Arrange
Drop large spoonfuls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto ungreased baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft and underdone. They will continue to set as they cool.

8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. (If you move them too soon, they may break apart.)

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Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Don't Overbake: The key to soft, chewy cookies is pulling them out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still pale and slightly puffy. They will finish baking on the hot pan.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is properly softened and your eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest, most evenly mixed dough.

• Chill the Dough (Optional): For cookies with even more depth of flavor and less spread, chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking.

• Nut Alternatives: If you're not a fan of walnuts, try pecans, macadamia nuts, or simply omit them and add an extra ½ cup of chocolate chips.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to the bake time).

Enjoy your perfect batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies!