Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction
Few treats are as universally loved as the classic chocolate chip cookie—soft, chewy, lightly crisp around the edges, and filled with melty chocolate chips in every bite. These homemade cookies bring comfort, warmth, and a sense of nostalgia that reminds us of family kitchens, childhood memories, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodness. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a school party, a bake sale, or simply to enjoy with a glass of cold milk, these cookies are a heartwarming delight that never goes out of style.

A Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor
These cookies are soft on the inside and golden and crisp on the outside, with just the right blend of buttery sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. The secret lies in using both brown and white sugar, which keeps the centers moist while giving the edges that slight caramelized crunch. The addition of vanilla enhances the cozy flavor, while chilling the dough helps maintain that thick, bakery-style cookie shape. Every bite is packed with gooey chocolate chips, making these cookies irresistible from the first bite to the last.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

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• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

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• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or mix milk & dark chips)

• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth, light, and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, helping the cookies bake soft and thick.

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2. Add Wet Ingredients
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing on low just until the dough starts to come together. Avoid over-mixing to keep cookies soft and tender.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
   Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using) evenly throughout the dough.

5. Chill the Dough
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances their flavor and texture.

6. Shape and Bake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
   Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden while the centers are still soft and slightly underdone.

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7. Cool Before Serving
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set beautifully while staying soft and chewy.

Serving & Storage
Serve warm for the ultimate gooey chocolate chip experience, ideally paired with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness.

Conclusion
These Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a dessert but a comforting experience—one that brings joy, warmth, and togetherness to every table. With their golden edges, fluffy centers, and rich chocolate flavor, they make the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment at home, these cookies will surely become a sweet favorite in your recipe collection.