If you’ve ever wanted to master a classic that’s irresistibly delicious and timeless, this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft in the center with just the right amount of crispy edges, these cookies blend the comforting flavors of brown sugar and oats with the rich indulgence of semisweet chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe brings out the kind of warm, homemade goodness that everyone loves. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to become a go-to favorite in your baking arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe comes from simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding moisture, chewy texture, or that classic sweet crunch we all expect from a cookie. Here’s what you’ll gather for your baking adventure:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that shapes your cookies and gives them structure.
- 1.5 ounces instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and a hint of chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch: Keeps the texture soft and delicate.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and moisture.
- 1½ cups brown sugar: Brings that distinct caramel tone and chewiness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and encourages crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Binds ingredients and gives body to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a fragrant aroma.
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half: Boosts moisture for a soft, tender bite.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient for that melty, chocolatey joy.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F so it can get perfectly hot while you prep your dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal, baking soda, kosher salt, and cornstarch. This mix brings all the dry elements together, making sure every cookie has the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, add the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that tender cookie texture and beautiful crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and half-and-half into the butter-sugar mix until combined. These liquids bring moisture and rich flavor to the dough, setting the stage for soft, chewy cookies.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Beat on medium speed just for 10 seconds — you don’t want to overmix here or risk tough cookies. This brief mixing combines everything without compromising on tenderness.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part: gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing those melty pockets of chocolate throughout every bite.
Step 7: Shape Your Cookies
Use a cookie portion scoop or spoon to form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them on your baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Then, lightly press down with a spatula to flatten the dough slightly, helping the cookies bake evenly and develop that characteristic shape.
Step 8: Bake and Enjoy
Bake your cookies for 11 minutes in the preheated oven. When they come out, they’ll have golden edges with soft, chewy centers waiting to be savored. Serve warm, ideally with a glass of cold milk for that ultimate cozy experience.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are spectacular on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before baking can enhance the sweetness and create a beautiful flavor contrast. Alternatively, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel over the top for an elegant touch that wow guests.
Side Dishes
Chocolate chip cookies pair perfectly with classic sides like creamy vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of hot chocolate. For a healthier balance, try serving with fresh fruit or a handful of toasted nuts to add extra texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with your favorite frosting or peanut butter to create decadent cookie sandwiches. You could also crumble them over yogurt or pudding as a delightful crunchy topping that adds that signature Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe flavor in a new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 5 days. To maintain softness, tuck in a slice of bread or a few apple slices alongside the cookies.
Freezing
If you want to extend their life, these cookies freeze wonderfully. You can freeze the dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Just wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw at room temperature and enjoy fresh-baked flavors anytime.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover cookies back to life, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their soft centers and melty chocolate chips, making you forget they were ever stored.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil in this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Butter is key for flavor and texture, but you can substitute with margarine if needed. Using oil will change the texture and may make the cookies spread more, so it’s best to stick with butter for ideal results.
Why is there oatmeal in this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
The instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal adds a lovely chewy texture and a subtle, slightly nutty sweetness that elevates the overall cookie flavor without overwhelming it.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips can add a richer, slightly more intense flavor that complements the brown sugar sweetness beautifully. Feel free to adjust the type of chocolate to your taste preference.
My cookies spread too much during baking. What went wrong?
Cookies can spread if the dough is too warm or if you use too much butter. Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading. Also, make sure to measure ingredients accurately and flatten the dough balls gently before baking.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch helps keep the cookies soft and tender by preventing gluten formation. While you can omit it, the texture may be slightly less delicate, so it’s recommended to keep it in the recipe for that perfect bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about crafting the perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies, and this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe captures all the warmth, nostalgia, and joy you want from homemade treats. Give it a try, and soon you’ll have a delicious batch that fills your kitchen with temptation and keeps everyone coming back for more. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe yields 12 deliciously soft and chewy cookies. Featuring a blend of all-purpose flour, instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal, and semisweet chocolate chips, these cookies are perfectly balanced between sweet and rich flavors. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they are the ideal treat for any chocolate chip cookie lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1.5 ounces instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal (43 grams, 1 package)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, room temperature, 1 stick)
- 1½ cups brown sugar (320 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half (28 grams)
Add-ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (170 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal, baking soda, kosher salt, and cornstarch. Stir well and set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, place the room temperature unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream them together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add the eggs, pure vanilla extract, and half-and-half. Whisk well to fully combine all ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 10 seconds until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a spatula or spoon, ensuring even distribution.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie portion scoop or a spoon, form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them spaced apart onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly press the top of each ball with a spatula to flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers look set but soft.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven, let cool briefly on the baking sheet, then serve warm, ideally with a glass of milk.
Notes
- Allow the butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure proper creaming and texture.
- Using parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to maintain tender cookies.
- You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk if desired.
- For crunchier cookies, bake 1-2 minutes longer, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
