There’s something timeless about a batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies—the warm, gooey centers, crispy edges, and bursts of chocolate make them a comforting treat everyone loves. This recipe brings you a classic approach with the perfect mix of brown sugar for chewiness, semi-sweet chocolate chips for rich flavor, and optional walnuts for a hint of crunch. It’s an easy, straightforward recipe that yields delicious, bakery-style cookies right from your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines granulated sugar and brown sugar to achieve a balanced sweetness and texture. Brown sugar provides moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar adds structure. Three sticks of real butter give a rich, buttery flavor, and the higher chocolate-to-dough ratio guarantees a chocolatey bite every time. The addition of walnuts (if you choose to include them) gives an earthy crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sweet chocolate.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
- Butter (3 sticks): Using unsalted, room-temperature butter helps achieve a creamy consistency when mixed with the sugars.
- Sugars: The combination of 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar provides both structure and softness.
- Eggs (3): Eggs add moisture and help bind the ingredients. For best results, use room-temperature eggs.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla enhances the cookie’s depth of flavor, adding a subtle, sweet aroma.
- Flour (3 cups): All-purpose flour is perfect for these cookies, giving them the right amount of structure.
- Baking Soda (1 1/2 tsp): This helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft, chewy texture.
- Salt (3/4 tsp): Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the butter and vanilla.
- Chocolate Chips (4 cups): Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.
- Walnut Pieces (optional): Walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 sticks of butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar.
- Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugars until they are light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 3 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and airy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
- Gently fold in 4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if desired, walnut pieces to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
- Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature butter and eggs blend more easily, creating a smoother dough and evenly textured cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
- Choose the Right Baking Sheet: Darker baking sheets tend to brown cookies faster. If using a dark baking sheet, reduce the baking time slightly or use a lighter-colored sheet.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling prevents excessive spreading, giving you softer, chewier cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time for Cookie Texture: If you prefer softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes. For crispier edges, bake up to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Style: Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate classic treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use these cookies as a base for homemade ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set on a parchment-lined tray for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Stacked Dessert: Layer cookies with whipped cream or frosting for a “cookie cake” effect at parties or celebrations.
Time & Yield
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on the size
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious treat that combines a classic flavor with a soft and chewy texture. With easy steps and simple ingredients, they’re a perfect choice for both novice bakers and cookie aficionados. The cookies are delightful warm from the oven, and they store well, making them great for sharing or gifting. Enjoy the baking process, and don’t forget to savor each chocolatey, buttery bite!