Name: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons hot water; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 19 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into the ultimate cookie, then let me introduce you to the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. These incredible treats offer the perfect combination of crisp, buttery edges with chewy, chocolate-loaded centers that are dangerously irresistible. Every bite features melty chocolate chips and a hint of crunch from walnuts, all wrapped up in that classic homemade goodness you simply can’t replicate in store-bought cookies. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is about to become your go-to.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies is chosen for maximum flavor and texture. Even the basics are essential, so don’t skip or swap where you don’t have to—here’s why every component matters!

Butter, softened: The backbone of the cookie’s rich flavor and tender texture; let it sit at room temperature for best results.
White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp edges everyone loves.
Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, essential for that chewy center.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the structure and moistness of the cookies.
Vanilla extract: Infuses each bite with a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the chocolate beautifully.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that gives your cookies a little lift and perfect thickness.
Hot water: Dissolves the baking soda, ensuring even distribution—just a little baker’s secret for a flawless bake.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure; measure carefully for chewy, not cakey, cookies.
Semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the show; go for quality chips for gooey pools of chocolate in every bite.
Chopped walnuts: Optional but highly recommended for a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone that complements the chocolate.

How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, make sure your butter is fully softened and your eggs are at room temperature. This simple habit ensures your dough comes together smoothly, and your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies bake up with evenly textured perfection.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is crucial—it sets the foundation for fluffier cookies and those coveted crisp edges.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract, which brings warmth and a hint of nostalgia to these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 4: Mix in Leavening and Salt

Dissolve the baking soda in two teaspoons of hot water for even distribution, then add it to the batter along with the salt. This trick keeps your cookies evenly lifted and perfectly seasoned throughout.

Step 5: Stir in Dry Ingredients and Goodies

Gradually mix in the flour until just combined. Next, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, ensuring every spoonful of dough is loaded with chocolatey, nutty goodness.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Drop hearty spoonfuls of dough, about two inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for roughly 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and just beginning to set—the ultimate sign of Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the making.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the chewy centers and ensures they’re easy to handle without breaking apart.

How to Serve Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies need no embellishment, a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can add an extra kick that elevates their rich, chocolatey flavor. You can also drizzle them with a touch of melted chocolate for an extra-special touch.

Side Dishes

For the ultimate cookie experience, pair your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies with an icy-cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a steamy cup of coffee. The classic flavors are a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cookies into ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cooled cookies. Alternatively, assemble a playful cookie platter with fresh fruit or marshmallows for a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week—if they last that long!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw on the counter when cravings strike.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked taste, warm individual cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop a tray in a low oven for a few minutes. This softens the centers and revives all those gooey, melty chocolate chips.

FAQs

Why do my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies are often caused by butter that’s too warm or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and stop stirring the flour as soon as it disappears into the dough for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies texture.

Can I leave out the walnuts?

Absolutely! If you prefer nut-free cookies, simply skip the walnuts and proceed with the rest of the recipe. The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies will still be tender, chocolatey, and delicious.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Definitely—chilling the dough for at least an hour deepens the flavors and helps prevent spreading. You’ll love the softer, thicker result in your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. Mixing up the chips creates a fun twist on the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies and lets you customize your chocolatey experience.

What’s the secret to chewy centers?

Using more brown sugar than white, not overbaking, and letting your cookies cool on the tray briefly all contribute to the chewy centers that make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies utterly craveable.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake up a batch of these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies! Whether they’re destined for a family gathering or a personal treat, their timeless flavor and irresistible texture are sure to win you over, one delicious bite at a time. Enjoy every crumb!