These Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic treat that everyone will love! With their crisp edges and chewy centers, they strike the perfect balance between soft and crunchy. Whether you’re making them for a casual family snack or serving them at a holiday gathering, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe easy to follow, while the addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures every bite is rich and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for chocolate chip cookies is a go-to favorite for many reasons. It features the perfect combination of soft, chewy texture with a slight crisp on the edges. The dough is simple to prepare, and the end result is a batch of warm, golden-brown cookies that are bursting with rich chocolate flavor. Additionally, with a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of under an hour, these cookies are quick and easy to make, yet they feel indulgent and special. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies will always be a hit!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 3/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened

• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large Land O Lakes® Egg

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 (10- to 12-ounce) package (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until the mixture is creamy.

4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue beating, scraping the bowl often, until the ingredients are well combined.

5. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, beating until everything is well mixed.

6. Stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons) onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Be sure to space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake.

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 26 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

1. Peppermint Twist: For a festive touch, swap out some of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for peppermint chips, adding a refreshing mint flavor to the cookies.

2. Holiday Sprinkles: Add red and green holiday sprinkles to the top of the dough balls before baking to make your cookies extra fun for holiday gatherings.

3. Nuts: For a nutty flavor, you can add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.

4. Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

• Freezing: To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

• Reheating: To warm up your cookies, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when my chocolate chip cookies are done baking?

Your cookies are ready when they are light golden brown around the edges. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind, though, that margarine might affect the texture of the cookies slightly.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for different flavor variations.

How can I make my cookies chewy?

For a chewier texture, slightly underbake your cookies. This will allow the centers to stay soft and chewy while still getting a golden color on the edges.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in a thicker cookie.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your dough is too warm, the cookies may spread excessively during baking. Try chilling the dough before baking, or ensure that your butter is softened but not too warm.

Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?

Yes, you can replace the granulated sugar with more brown sugar, but it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies denser and giving them a stronger caramel flavor.

How long do chocolate chip cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, chocolate chip cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature. You can also freeze them to extend their shelf life.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

How do I prevent my cookies from being too flat?

Ensure that your dough is not too warm when you place it on the baking sheet, as this can cause the cookies to spread too much. Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape while baking.

Conclusion

These Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat, combining simplicity, great taste, and the perfect texture in every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this recipe is sure to please every crowd. With a few simple variations, you can make these cookies your own and keep them fresh with easy storage tips. Enjoy the perfect chocolate chip cookie whenever the craving strikes!