Name: Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 27 reviews

If you’re chasing the perfect treat that strikes the golden balance between gooey and crisp, look no further than Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe is crafted for those who crave rich, melt-in-your-mouth centers surrounded by the softest, buttery edges. With their blend of brown sugar, butter, and swirls of chocolate chips, these cookies promise nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just a well-deserved self-indulgence, these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are destined to become your new go-to recipe for pure cookie bliss.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These classic cookies come together using a few pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating their signature chewy texture and dreamy flavor. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip or substitute a thing—each one helps guarantee that fresh-from-the-oven magic!

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps lock in the cookies’ irresistible chewiness.
Baking soda: Gives your cookies lift so they don’t turn out too dense.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances richness.
Unsalted butter (softened): Personalizes your cookies with a lovely richness and keeps the centers perfectly moist.
Brown sugar (packed): Delivers caramel notes and ensures that chewy, moist middle.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookies spread evenly for a gorgeous bakery-style look.
Large eggs: Add structure and moisture, bringing everything together just right.
Vanilla extract: A couple of teaspoons infuse warm, aromatic flavor throughout every bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient—these bits melt into pools of chocolatey goodness!

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you get started, let your eggs and butter come to room temperature so everything blends smoothly. This simple step helps the dough hold together beautifully, ensuring those chewy centers we’re after.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give it a few minutes to come up to temperature—this guarantees your Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly from the first batch to the last.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, so every bite tastes just right—no surprises or uneven texture.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. This step isn’t just about blending—creaming really builds air into the dough so your cookies bake up extra tender!

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Don’t rush here! Let each egg fully incorporate before adding the next. It helps create a smooth, cohesive dough base.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold your dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Gently is the key—you want the flour just mixed in, with no dry patches but also no overmixing. Too much stirring can give you tough cookies, and we want ultra-chewy perfection!

Step 7: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently mix in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Be generous—they’re what make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies downright irresistible. Every bite should be studded with gooey chocolate.

Step 8: Portion and Bake

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about two tablespoons each) onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden at the edges but still soft and slightly underbaked in the center. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks—otherwise, they might fall apart in your anxious hands!

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For a special touch, sprinkle a flake or two of sea salt on each cookie just after baking—the salty crunch amplifies the chocolate in the most delicious way. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or even caramel over the tops if you’re serving for a party.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies than a tall glass of cold milk, but for extra flair, plate them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream. They also play well with coffee or hot cocoa for a truly comforting moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for instant gift bags, or create a cookie board with assorted fruits, candies, and dunking sauces. For parties, mini cookies on skewers or sandwiched with a spread of Nutella or peanut butter are always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Add a slice of bread, and the cookies steal just enough moisture from the bread to stay tender and delicious.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully—just place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air. You can even freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer anytime a cookie craving strikes!

Reheating

Refresh cold or day-old cookies by popping them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes. If you want to microwave, wrap a cookie in a slightly damp paper towel and heat for 10 seconds—watch as the chocolate becomes gooey again!

FAQs

How do I get my Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies thick and not flat?

If you love a thicker cookie, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This relaxes the gluten and slows spreading, resulting in delightfully thick and chewy cookies.

Can I substitute the butter with oil or margarine?

Butter is ideal for classic flavor and the best chewy texture. While you can use margarine in a pinch, coconut oil or vegetable oil may change both the taste and structure, so use those only if you like experimenting!

Are there nuts or other mix-ins that work well in Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Pecans, walnuts, or even shredded coconut make fantastic additions. Stir in a half cup with your chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor dimension.

Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?

If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes. Too dry? A tablespoon of milk can help. Measuring flour with the spoon-and-level method ensures accuracy and avoids overly dense cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Your cookies may spread a tad less, but they’ll still offer that classic chewy bite everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about biting into warm, homemade Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies—whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself or your loved ones to this beloved classic and watch smiles appear with every chewy, chocolate-studded bite. Happy baking!