Golden on the edges, irresistibly gooey in the center, and studded with pools of rich dark chocolate—these chocolate chip cookies are what dessert dreams are made of. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just because you crave something sweet and soul-warming, this recipe delivers every single time. Each bite brings a perfect harmony of crispy texture and tender softness, with bursts of melty chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt that takes the flavor over the top.

This is more than just another cookie—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns everyday ingredients into a batch of bakery-style indulgence. No chilling, no complicated steps—just melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction in under 30 minutes. If you’ve been searching for your go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe, consider this your final stop.

Ingredients for The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step creates the base of your cookie dough and helps incorporate air for that soft texture.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until fully combined. The dough should look smooth and glossy at this stage.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chunks

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the chocolate chunks. Try to distribute them evenly throughout the dough so every cookie is packed with chocolatey goodness.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape

Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, press a few extra chocolate chunks on top of each dough ball for a bakery-style finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This is key to achieving that gooey middle.

Step 7: Cool and Sprinkle

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still warm, sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie – approx.)

Calories: 230
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 120mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly based on ingredients and cookie size.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Yes! You can substitute chocolate chunks with chocolate chips. Chunks tend to create larger, gooier pockets of chocolate, but chips work just as well for a classic cookie.

2. Why do my cookies come out flat?

Flat cookies often result from overly soft butter or overmixing. Make sure your butter is just room temperature and mix only until combined after adding dry ingredients.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute. Look for blends with xanthan gum for best results.

4. How do I make them crispier?

Bake them a couple of minutes longer until they’re more golden brown, especially around the edges.

5. Can I add nuts?

Of course! Walnuts or pecans are a great addition. Stir in ¾ cup of chopped nuts along with the chocolate chunks.

6. Is chilling the dough necessary?

Not for this recipe. It’s designed to be baked immediately, but chilling can help deepen the flavor and improve shape control if you have time.

7. Why sprinkle sea salt on top?

A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. It also adds a lovely crunch.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales well. Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough to handle the extra dough.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 53 minute
Yield: About 24 cookies

Print Recipe

Description

Craving that perfect cookie that’s chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with pools of rich melted chocolate? These best chocolate chip cookies are your answer! A true comfort dessert, they strike the ideal balance of texture and flavor and come together in no time. Whether you’re searching for quick breakfast treats, easy dessert ideas, or just some classic food inspiration, these cookies tick every box. With familiar pantry staples, no chill time, and a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate each bite, they’re a sure way to win over any crowd. Your go-to cookie recipe starts right here.

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough.
Scoop dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers slightly underdone.
Cool on the sheet for 5–10 minutes, sprinkle with sea salt, and transfer to wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert