The Best Homemade Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – Soft, Gooey, and Irresistible
These homemade chocolate chip cookies, with golden-brown edges, soft centers, and melty chocolate chips, offer instant comfort. The perfect chewy texture comes from the right balance of butter, brown sugar, and flour. This foolproof recipe is simple, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners looking for delicious, easy-to-make cookies.
Homemade Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies | Easy, Soft & Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
DifficultyEasy
Servings24 Cookies
Prep time45 minutes
Cook time12 minutes
Total time57 minutes
Ingredients
For The Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, (2 eggs used total)
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Let's Get Cooking!
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing evenly.
- 2
Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. (For best results, chill for 2 hours or overnight.)
- 3
Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough using a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underdone.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 4
Enjoy!
- Serve warm for gooey, melty chocolate chip goodness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Equipment
Recipe Notes and Variations:
Recipe Notes for the Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
How to Achieve the Perfect Chewy Texture
✔ Use More Brown Sugar Than White Sugar
- Brown sugar contains more moisture, which helps make the cookies chewier and softer.
✔ Melted Butter for a Chewy Cookie
- Instead of creaming the butter, using melted butter ensures a denser, chewy cookie rather than a fluffy one.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Dough
- Overmixing develops too much gluten, making cookies tough. Stir until just combined.
✔ Chill the Dough for Maximum Flavor and Texture
- Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much and helps flavors develop.
- 30 minutes minimum, 2 hours for best results, and overnight for deep caramel flavor.
✔ Baking at 350°F (175°C) for Just the Right Time
- Baking for 10-12 minutes keeps the cookies slightly underbaked in the center, so they remain chewy once cooled.
✔ Let Cookies Cool on the Baking Sheet First
- Removing cookies immediately can make them fall apart—let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Variations of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Different Types of Chocolate
✔ Dark Chocolate Lovers’ Cookies
- Use 70% dark chocolate chunks instead of regular chocolate chips for a rich, bittersweet depth of flavor.
✔ Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies
- If you prefer sweeter, creamier cookies, swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips.
✔ White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
- Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add ½ cup macadamia nuts for a luxurious version.
✔ Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips for a decadent blend of flavors.
2. Add a Unique Flavor Twist
✔ Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Drizzle melted caramel over the cookies after baking, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
✔ Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
✔ Cinnamon-Spiced Cookies
- Mix ½ teaspoon cinnamon into the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
✔ Orange Zest Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Add 1 teaspoon grated orange zest to the batter for a citrusy note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
✔ Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Stir in ½ cup toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
3. Healthy & Dietary Adaptations
✔ Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
✔ Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter.
- Replace chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate.
✔ Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
✔ Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Reduce sugar by ¼ cup and replace with unsweetened applesauce or coconut sugar for a less processed option.
✔ High-Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Add 2 tablespoons of almond flour or a scoop of protein powder to boost protein content.
4. Creative Baking Techniques & Variations
✔ Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cut the recipe in half for a smaller yield of 12 cookies—perfect for a quick craving without leftovers.
✔ Bakery-Style Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use ¼ cup of dough per cookie and bake for 14-16 minutes for large, thick cookies.
✔ Crispy Edges & Chewy Center Variation
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes instead of 350°F—this creates crispier edges with a soft middle.
✔ Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Spread dough into an 8×8-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes to make chewy cookie bars.
✔ Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Scoop dough into small balls, flatten slightly, and air fry at 325°F for 8-10 minutes for a quicker baking option.
✔ Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
- Bake cookies slightly thicker, then sandwich vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a fun treat!
5. Best Ways to Serve & Pair These Cookies
✔ With Milk:
- Classic and simple—a warm cookie dunked in cold milk is unbeatable.
✔ With Ice Cream:
- Serve cookies fresh out of the oven with vanilla ice cream for a dessert experience.
✔ With Hot Chocolate or Coffee:
- The richness of chewy chocolate chip cookies pairs beautifully with coffee, espresso, or hot cocoa.
✔ As a Cookie Sundae:
- Crumble cookies over ice cream and top with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
6. Storing & Freezing Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
✔ How to Store Fresh Cookies
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread!
✔ How to Freeze Cookie Dough
- Scoop cookie dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer the frozen dough balls to a ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
✔ How to Freeze Baked Cookies
- Let cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
✔ Super Easy & Foolproof: No special equipment required—just one bowl and a whisk!
✔ Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Chocolate Chips: Perfect for cookie lovers who prefer a gooey center.
✔ Completely Customizable: Works with different chocolates, add-ins, and dietary preferences.
✔ Perfect for Every Occasion: From weeknight cravings to holiday treats, these cookies never disappoint!
These homemade chewy chocolate chip cookies are everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies—soft, gooey, rich, and absolutely irresistible! Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you’ll ever need.
Nutrition
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 3g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
The chocolate chip cookie was born in 1938, thanks to Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. She intended to create a butter cookie with melted chocolate but instead discovered that the chocolate chunks held their shape, leading to what is now known as the world’s most famous cookie.
As word spread, Nestlé even struck a deal with Wakefield to print her recipe on chocolate chip packaging, leading to the Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, which is still widely used today.
Over time, bakers around the world have modified and perfected the recipe, leading to countless variations—from thick bakery-style cookies to soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies like this one.
The Art of Baking the Perfect Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
What Makes a Cookie Chewy Instead of Crunchy?
✔ Brown Sugar Over White Sugar: Brown sugar contains more moisture, which creates a softer and chewier cookie.
✔ Melted Butter vs. Softened Butter: Using melted butter rather than creaming butter helps create a denser, chewier texture.
✔ An Extra Egg Yolk: Adding one extra egg yolk (without the egg white) gives the cookies a richer, softer bite.
✔ Cornstarch for Softness: A small amount of cornstarch helps the cookies stay tender.
✔ Chilling the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes prevents spreading and helps enhance the chewy texture.
Interesting Things About This Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- No Stand Mixer Required! This is a one-bowl, mix-by-hand recipe, making it super easy to whip up quickly.
- It Gets Better with Time! Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture, making day-old cookies even better.
- Uses Simple Pantry Ingredients! This recipe requires basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
An Overview of the Key Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- Butter: Melted butter ensures a chewy, rich texture.
- Brown Sugar: The key to chewiness, as it retains moisture.
- Egg + Extra Yolk: The egg provides structure, while the extra yolk adds richness.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly without becoming puffy.
- Cornstarch: Adds softness.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance sweetness and richness.
What Occasions Are These Chocolate Chip Cookies Perfect For?
✔ Everyday Dessert: Quick to make and perfect for any sweet craving.
✔ Holiday Cookie Trays: A must-have for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and bake sales.
✔ Gifting: These cookies make great gifts when packed in a tin or cookie jar.
✔ Parties & Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at potlucks and birthdays.
✔ Bake and Freeze for Later: Make the dough ahead of time and freeze individual portions for fresh cookies anytime.
