Name: The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 400 g (3 cups) plain flour (all-purpose); 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon bicarb of soda (baking soda); ½ teaspoon salt* see notes; 225 g (1 cup) melted butter, salted or unsalted; 300 g (1¼ cups) light brown sugar; 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 350 g (2 cups) dark chocolate, chopped; Pinch of flaky sea salt

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 11 reviews

If you’re always on the hunt for that perfect classic treat, look no further: The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are here to claim a permanent spot in your kitchen. These cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—golden on the edges, gooey in the center, studded with luxurious pools of dark chocolate, and topped with a sparkle of sea salt. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, sneaking a midnight snack, or impressing at the next potluck, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again. There’s something undeniably magical about the contrast of textures and flavors that will make “just one more cookie” a constant refrain!

The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cookie recipe is delightfully simple, with each ingredient playing a starring role in creating that signature texture and flavor we all crave. Don’t skip or substitute—these basics are what make The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies unforgettable!

Butter (225g, melted): Using melted butter gives a rich taste and supremely chewy texture; both salted and unsalted work, just adjust the added salt.
Plain all-purpose flour (400g): The backbone of the dough, ensuring sturdy yet soft cookies.
Baking powder (1¼ tsp): Adds just enough lift while still keeping things dense and chewy.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Ensures perfect spreading and just the right touch of crispiness at the edges.
Salt (½ tsp): Rounds out the sweetness and deepens chocolate flavor (omit if using salted butter).
Light brown sugar (300g): The secret to moist, flavorful cookies with a caramel-y chew.
Granulated sugar (100g): Lends crispness to the edges and just the right sweetness.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and deliver a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brightens the dough and amplifies the chocolate notes.
Dark chocolate, chopped (350g): Chunks melt into glorious puddles and provide a rich, decadent experience (milk chocolate is a bit sweeter, so adjust to taste).
Flaky sea salt (pinch): A sprinkling on top lifts all the flavors and gives a gourmet finish.

How to Make The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Trays

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Line two baking trays with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also gives you those perfectly golden cookie bottoms every time.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This little extra step helps distribute all the leaveners and salt evenly so you avoid pockets of any single ingredient.

Step 3: Melt the Butter and Combine with Sugar

Gently melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then pour it into a medium mixing bowl. Add the brown and granulated sugars. Whisk until you get a thick, homogenous paste and all the butter is absorbed—this is the secret step to that unforgettable chewy texture in The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Working one egg at a time, whisk thoroughly after each addition until the mixture looks glossy and luscious. Add in the vanilla extract and give it a final whisk to fully incorporate.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula now to gently fold everything together—over-mixing will make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate and Chill the Dough

Add the chopped dark chocolate right into that gorgeous dough and give it a few gentle turns so it’s evenly distributed. Pop the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes. This patience-testing step allows the butter to firm up and the flavors to deepen, resulting in The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies every time.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls about three tablespoons each—an ice cream scoop makes this quick, but hands work too! Place on your trays with plenty of space between each (they’ll spread). Dust with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are barely golden and the centers are just set.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the tray for about five minutes; they’ll firm up a bit but still have that melt-in-your-mouth center. Use a spatula to move them to a wire rack and let them cool completely—if you can resist sampling them right away!

How to Serve The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For that bakery-style finish, sprinkle each warm cookie with a touch more flaky sea salt right as they come out of the oven. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top for show-stopping presentation.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies like a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a creamy latte. For special occasions, consider serving alongside a platter of fresh berries or a selection of your favorite cookies for a dessert smorgasbord.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow a crowd, stack the cookies in a tall glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them in a pretty tin lined with parchment. Turn them into ice cream sandwiches with your favorite gelato between two cookies, or crumble them over bowls of ice cream for the ultimate sundae upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies will keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to five days at room temperature. A slice of bread added to the container can help maintain perfect softness, bringing new life to The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies even after a few days.

Freezing

You have two great options here: freeze the dough in big batches or roll it into cookie balls first for instant gratification. Either way, store in a freezer bag or airtight container and they’ll keep for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If your cookies have been stored or frozen, refresh them by popping in a 160ºC (320ºF) oven for about two minutes or until just warmed through. This little trick will revive that magical gooey center and make your kitchen smell incredible once again.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark for The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that using milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and slightly less intense in flavor, so it all depends on your chocolate preference.

Is it really necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling is key for thick, luscious cookies with chewy centers and rich flavor. It prevents too much spreading and allows the ingredients to meld together, giving The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies their signature bite.

How do I make my cookies extra soft?

Be careful not to overbake—pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They firm up as they cool, leaving that irresistible soft and chewy middle.

Can I halve this recipe if I don’t need 36 cookies?

Yes! Simply cut all ingredients in half and follow the same steps. You’ll still get amazing results and a more manageable cookie stash.

Why are my cookies coming out flat?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to overly warm dough or not enough flour. Double-check your measurements and always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes for The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies texture.

Final Thoughts

This is hands-down my favorite recipe for The Best Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, and I truly believe it will become a staple in your home too. Give it a try, share a batch with someone you love, and get ready to watch these cookies disappear faster than you can say, “save me one!” Happy baking!