Every family needs one chocolate chip cookie recipe that just works, without needing browned butter or an overnight chill — this is that recipe.
Crispy edges, chewy centers, and a dough that comes together in one bowl in about 15 minutes.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pull the cookies while the centers still look slightly underdone — carryover heat on the hot pan finishes them without drying them out.
Save this recipe for later — pin it to your cookies board.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
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1. Mix dry ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
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2. Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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3. Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, until fully combined.
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4. Combine and add chips
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined — don't overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
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5. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone.
Tips & Common Questions
Why do my cookies come out flat?
Butter that's too warm or melted spreads too much before the structure sets — make sure it's softened but still cool to the touch, and chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm.
Why does the recipe say to underbake slightly?
Cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after they come out of the oven — pulling them when the center still looks a touch underdone is what keeps them chewy instead of crisp all the way through.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.