Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Name: Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Published: February 15, 2026

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With a simple process and no chilling time, you can enjoy fresh cookies in just about 22 minutes.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie boasts a perfect balance of softness and chewiness, ideal for chocolate lovers.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, gifts, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit any occasion seamlessly.
Easy Cleanup: Using parchment paper or a Silpat liner makes cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect batch of soft chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment not only simplifies the process but also ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or Silpat liner
Ice cream scoop

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugars thoroughly, resulting in light and fluffy dough.
Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking for all your cookies.
Parchment paper or Silpat liner: These prevent sticking and make for easy removal of your cookies without damaging them.

Ingredients

For this delightful Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, you will need:

For the Base

1 cup unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
1 tsp baking soda (sifted)
1 tsp salt

For the Chocolatey Goodness

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz), divided reserving 1/4 cup for the top

How to Make Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat liner to ensure your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
2. Beat on medium/high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is creamy and light. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the 2 large eggs one at a time:
1. Beat well after each addition.
2. Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sifted baking soda.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture in thirds, mixing until just combined after each addition.
3. Gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using an ice cream scoop:
1. Portion out even balls of dough (approximately 3 tablespoons each).
2. Place scoops on your lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
3. Roll each ball lightly in your hands before studding the tops with reserved chocolate chips.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake one cookie sheet at a time:
1. Place in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes (12 minutes is perfect for us).
2. Look for edges that are just turning golden while ensuring that the tops still appear under-baked.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your deliciously soft chocolate chip cookies!

How to Serve Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Soft chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Classic Pairings

Milk: The traditional pairing; a cold glass of milk complements the sweetness and softness of the cookies perfectly.
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors, making for an ideal afternoon snack.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a creamy delight that’s hard to resist.
Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, use chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Dessert Platter

Fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing balance, adding color and nutrition to your dessert spread.
Cheese Board: Pair with mild cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone for a unique sweet and savory combination.

How to Perfect Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Achieving the perfect soft chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you get there.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for better mixing, ensuring fluffy cookies.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Bake One Sheet at a Time: Baking one sheet allows for even heat distribution, resulting in consistently baked cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your soft chocolate chip cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:

Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a bright, tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can be dolloped on top of each cookie or served on the side for dipping.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
Peanut Butter Dip: A creamy peanut butter dip adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie halves into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent twist on your dessert experience.
Homemade Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookies for an extra sweet touch that elevates every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking soft chocolate chip cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results every time.

Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can prevent proper mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a creamy batter.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing develops gluten, making cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft, chewy results.
Skipping the resting period: Skipping chilling time can result in flat cookies. Allowing the dough to rest enhances flavor and texture.
Not watching baking time: Leaving cookies in too long makes them hard. Always check for golden edges while the tops remain slightly under-baked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store soft chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container.
They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the soft chocolate chip cookies recipe.

How do I ensure my cookies are soft?

To ensure your cookies are soft, avoid overbaking and remove them while they still look slightly underdone.

Can I substitute different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips according to your preference.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

How can I customize this Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or different flavored chips for unique variations that suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

This soft chocolate chip cookies recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy it as is. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!

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