Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for the absolute best Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies, let me introduce you to my trusty, no-fuss recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes! These cookies are perfectly chewy with golden-brown edges and gooey centers studded with rich chocolate chips. Each bite is buttery, sweet, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face—whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy homemade treat. The ingredients are all pantry staples, so you can whip up these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies any time a dessert craving strikes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This beloved recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a lineup of classic cookie ingredients, each chosen for flavor and best-in-class texture. Here’s how every component helps you get that signature taste and perfect cookie bite.

• Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Creates that addictive, rich flavor and gives the cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a gentle caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Gives the cookies crisp edges while keeping the center soft and tender.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and brings that lovely structure so your cookies don’t crumble apart.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates everything with a welcoming warmth and aromatic sweetness.
• Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures every bite is light and just chewy enough by helping your cookies rise.
• Hot Water (1 teaspoon): Dissolves the baking soda for even distribution and a little extra lift.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness, makes the chocolate pop, and keeps flavors from falling flat.
• All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Provides the structure for your dough—goes in last so you don’t overmix!
• Chocolate Chips (1¼ cups): The star ingredient—generously scattered in every single cookie so you get gooey chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this step helps your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies bake up with even bottoms, prevents sticking, and makes cleanup a breeze. Get your ingredients ready to go so everything is smooth sailing.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together with a spoon or mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This creaming process is what will make your cookies so irresistibly tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract. Mix everything just until combined—you want your dough to stay tender, so avoid overbeating here. It’ll smell absolutely dreamy already!

Step 4: Activate the Baking Soda

In a small bowl, stir the hot water and baking soda together until the baking soda completely dissolves (a fork works wonders here). Add this bubbly mixture to your dough, then sprinkle in the salt and all-purpose flour. Mix gently until you see no more dry streaks—overmixing is the enemy of soft cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now for the best part—fold in those glorious chocolate chips! Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie is studded with melty chocolate goodness from edge to center.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Scoop large spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and drop them onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between each for spreading. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Don’t leave them in longer—this is the secret to soft, chewy centers!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’ll finish setting up), then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist waiting, you’re stronger than me—the smell is wildly tempting and they taste out-of-this-world when still a little warm.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Treat your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies to a final flourish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just after baking for irresistible contrast. Or, drizzle with melted chocolate or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar to dress them up for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Few things beat the classic combo of warm cookies and a tall glass of cold milk. For a fun twist, pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy hot chocolate—perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, stack a few Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies and tie with a ribbon for a charming homemade treat. Serve them on a rustic platter with little bowls of assorted nuts or fruit, or convert them into the ultimate ice cream sandwich for extra smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you add a slice of bread to the container, it’ll help keep your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and delicious longer.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough (just scoop the dough and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag). Baked cookies thaw quickly at room temp, so you’re just minutes away from a homemade treat whenever you want one.

Reheating

To bring that just-baked magic back, reheat cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a 300℉ oven for a couple of minutes. They’ll be warm, soft, and the chocolate chips turn perfectly gooey again.

FAQs

Why do my Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies go flat?

This usually happens if your butter is too warm or melted, or if you accidentally overmix the dough. For fluffy, chewy cookies, use butter that’s just at room temperature and stir until everything’s just combined.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of oats for added texture. Just keep your total mix-ins around ½ cup so the cookies bake evenly.

How do I stop my cookies from sticking to the pan?

Always line your baking sheet with parchment or use a silicone baking mat—this guarantees your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies lift right off after baking and keeps cleanup quick.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and kept in the fridge. Chilling for even just an hour can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.

What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?

Spoon dough into tall mounds and, after baking, gently nudge the edges with a spoon while still warm. Or, roll your dough balls for uniformity—your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies will look bakery-perfect every time.

Final Thoughts

You’re officially armed with everything you need to bake up a batch of Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds extra happy. Trust me, these cookies always disappear fast, so don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to treat. Grab your favorite mixing spoon and enjoy every chewy, chocolatey bite!

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