Classic Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.
Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy.
Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended.
Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon.
Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients.
Whisk - Used to mix together the melted butter, sugars, vanilla, egg, and egg yolk.
Sifter - Used to sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Wooden spoon - Used to stir in the chocolate chips and mix the cookie dough.
Cookie sheets - Baking sheets used to bake the cookies. Grease or line with parchment paper before use.
Wire racks - Used to cool the baked cookies after they are removed from the oven.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried cherries for a fruity twist.
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm and cozy flavor.
Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a hint of coffee flavor.
Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking to create a sweet and salty combination.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
For a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg and egg yolk.

Recipe overview

This classic chocolate chip cookies recipe is a favorite for a reason! These cookies are made with simple and readily available ingredients that come together to create a comforting and familiar treat that is loved by people of all ages. The cookies come out of the oven soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside, and filled with delicious, melty chocolate chips. The recipe is easy to follow, perfect for baking beginners, and it produces cookies that are sure to impress. So, get your oven preheating, your ingredients ready, and let's start baking these delightful cookies. Enjoy the process and the scrumptious end result!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? - Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but it may slightly affect the overall flavor of the cookies.
Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar? - It is best to use both brown sugar and white sugar for the perfect texture and taste. However, if you only have white sugar, you can substitute it, but the cookies may turn out slightly different.
What can I substitute for semisweet chocolate chips? - You can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar as a substitute for semisweet chocolate chips.
Can I make smaller cookies by using a smaller scoop? - Yes, you can make smaller cookies by using a smaller scoop, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly as smaller cookies may require less time to bake.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? - Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Then transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowls - These are needed to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used for whisking together the melted butter, sugars, vanilla, egg, and egg yolk.
Sifter - Used to sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Wooden spoon - Used for stirring in the chocolate chips.
Cookie sheets - Used to bake the cookies.
Parchment paper - Optional, but it can be used to line the cookie sheets for easy cleanup.
Wire racks - Used to cool the cookies after baking.
Measuring cups and spoons - Needed to measure the ingredients accurately.

Origin stories

In the early 1930s, Ruth Wakefield, a dietitian and food lecturer, and her husband, Kenneth, bought a tourist lodge named the Toll House Inn. Ruth cooked meals for the guests and would regularly make desserts. One day, while making a batch of Chocolate Butter Drop Do cookies, a recipe dating back to colonial times, Ruth found herself without baker's chocolate. Acting quickly, she chopped up a bar of semi-sweet chocolate, expecting it to melt into the dough. To her surprise, the chocolate held its shape, creating a soft and gooey cookie. These cookies became incredibly popular at the Inn, and the recipe was published in a Boston newspaper. As the cookies became more popular, sales of Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bars increased. Andrew Nestlé and Ruth Wakefield struck a deal - Nestlé would print the Toll House Cookie recipe on its packaging, and Ruth would be given a lifetime supply of Nestlé chocolate. The Toll House Cookie, what we know today as the chocolate chip cookie, was born.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.