There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling your kitchen. It’s warm, inviting, and instantly makes any day feel special. These cookies are my absolute favorite to bake—not just because they taste incredible, but because they’re so simple to make and bring so much joy to my family.

Every time I pull a batch out of the oven, it’s like magic. They come out perfectly soft and chewy in the center with just the right amount of crispiness on the edges. And don’t even get me started on the chocolate chips—gooey, melty, and absolutely irresistible. These cookies remind me of something you’d find at a fancy bakery, but they’re so easy to make right at home.

What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s become a tradition in my house, especially around the holidays. My kids love helping me mix the dough, roll the balls, and, of course, sneak a few chocolate chips while we work. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t just make delicious cookies—it makes memories. We laugh, make a little mess, and enjoy every moment of the process.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect cookie to share at a party, a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, or a fun baking activity with the kids, this recipe checks every box. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the magic for yourself. So let’s dive right in and get baking!

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Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  (Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  (Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.)
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
  (For sweetness and a crisp texture.)
• 1 medium egg
  (Binds the dough and keeps it soft.)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  (Enhances flavor, but feel free to skip if you don’t have it.)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  (Provides structure.)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  (Helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  (Gives a slight spread and chewiness.)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
  (Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.)

Mix-ins:

• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  (Feel free to mix both for variety!)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and white granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use a stand mixer if you have one, as it makes creaming the butter and sugar even easier and faster. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, ensuring soft cookies.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, as it can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Add the chocolate chips and fold them into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up, resulting in thicker cookies with better texture.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

After chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For consistent sizes, weigh each dough ball to ensure at least 65g or more for bigger cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack—if you can resist eating them immediately!

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Tips for the Perfect Cookies

1. Room Temperature Butter – Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the right texture.
2. Chill the Dough – For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.
3. Add Extra Chocolate Chips on Top – Press a few chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies before baking for a bakery-style look.
4. Don’t Overbake – Slightly underbaking ensures chewy centers.

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Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cookie dough balls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

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Yield and Nutrition

• Yield: Approximately 16–18 large cookies if each dough ball is weighed to 65g or more.
• Per Cookie (65g):
  • Calories: ~250
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Protein: 3g

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Final Thoughts

There you have it—your ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a treat to someone special, or simply indulging in a quiet moment for yourself. I love how versatile they are—dress them up with sprinkles for a festive look or keep them classic with extra chocolate chips on top.

Baking these cookies has become one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy time with my family, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the warm smell of chocolate chip cookies fill your kitchen. Trust me, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them!