Here is a classic, detailed recipe for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies that yields cookies with crisp edges, a chewy center, and rich flavor. This is a slightly adapted version of the famous New York Times/Toll House hybrid.
The Ultimate Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yield: About 18-24 large cookies
Prep Time: 15 mins + 1 hour chilling
Cook Time: 10-12 mins per batch
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter
Note: For chewier cookies, use 1 stick melted & 1 stick softened. For classic, just soften both.
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups (250g) packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 ¼ cups (415g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or 1¼ tsp kosher salt)
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
(Optional) 1 cup (120g) toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
Instructions
1. Brown the Butter (Optional but Highly Recommended):
In a light-colored saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan frequently. It will foam, then crackle. Once it turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-8 mins), immediately pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This adds incredible depth of flavor.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars:
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat the cooled browned butter (or softened butter) with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each. Scrape down the bowl.
Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
6. Chill the Dough (CRUCIAL STEP):
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 72 hours. This allows the flour to hydrate, flavors to develop, and prevents excessive spreading. For the best flavor, chill overnight.
7. Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls (a #20 cookie scoop is perfect). Place them 3 inches apart on the sheets. You can roll them for a more uniform look, or leave craggy for texture.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and set, but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone.
(Optional) As soon as they come out, you can tap the pan and press a few extra chocolate chips on top for a bakery-style look.
8. Cool:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they will continue to set. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
Weigh Your Ingredients: This is the #1 tip for consistent baking. Measuring cups can be inaccurate.
The Chill is Non-Negotiable: Skipping chilling leads to thin, greasy cookies.
Quality Chocolate Matters: Use a chocolate bar chopped into chunks instead of chips for beautiful puddles of chocolate.
Underbake Slightly: They should look a bit underdone when you take them out. They firm up as they cool.
One Sheet at a Time: Bake in the center of the oven for even cooking. Don't crowd the oven.
Variations to Try
Sea Salt Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking.
Brown Butter Toffee: Use 1 cup chocolate chips + 1 cup chopped toffee bits (like Heath).
Double Chocolate: Replace ½ cup of flour with ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
Malted Milk: Add ½ cup malted milk powder with the dry ingredients.
Storage & Freezing
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time. They keep for 3 months.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then store in a container. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Enjoy your baking! There's nothing quite like a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie. 🍪