Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy chocolate chip cookies always take me back to a rainy afternoon when I wanted to bake something cozy and comforting and I remember mixing the dough while listening to my favorite playlist and the smell of butter and vanilla filled the whole kitchen and as I scooped the dough onto the tray, I couldn’t wait to taste that warm, gooey first bite and when they came out of the oven with those shiny melted chocolate pools, I knew I had created the ultimate treat. Taking that first bite, with the crisp edges and soft, chewy center, felt like pure joy.

I love making easy chocolate chip cookies because they never fail to bring a smile and they’re simple enough for a spontaneous baking session but always taste like a special homemade indulgence and whether I’m sharing them with friends, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk, these cookies are a classic that I return to again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• All-purpose flour – Creates the perfect structure for chewy cookies.
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies spread and stay tender.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create those golden edges.
• Brown sugar – Keeps the cookies soft and adds a deep caramel flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and a bit of crispness.
• Egg – Binds the dough and gives it moisture.
• Vanilla extract – Brings that warm, classic cookie flavor.
• Chocolate chips – The star of the show, melty and rich.
• Flaky sea salt (optional) – For a sweet-salty finish that makes them irresistible.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk – To mix the dry ingredients evenly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer – To cream the butter and sugars until fluffy.
• Spatula – For folding in the chocolate chips gently.
• Baking sheet – To bake the cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Cookie scoop – For making evenly sized cookies.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

In another bowl, I cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4

I add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.

Step 5

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Step 6

I fold in the chocolate chips gently with a spatula.

Step 7

Using a cookie scoop, I place portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8

I sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top if I want that extra special touch.

Step 9

I bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Step 10

I let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (or enjoy warm!).

Tips

For extra gooey cookies, I like to press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops before baking. You can chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies with less spread. If you like nuts, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor. And always use good-quality chocolate it really makes a difference!

Ways to Serve

I love serving these easy chocolate chip cookies warm with a cold glass of milk. They’re also fantastic crumbled over ice cream for a quick dessert or even sandwiched with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra special treat. They make great gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon, too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.

Can I make them gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might vary slightly, but they’re still delicious!

How do I keep them soft?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also place a slice of bread in the container to keep them extra soft.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these easy chocolate chip cookies a try! They’re the perfect blend of classic flavors, chewy texture, and that little bit of melty chocolate magic. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you please leave a comment or share a photo if you bake them. And if you enjoy this recipe, don’t forget to save it for your next cozy baking day.

Happy Cooking!