Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Featured in: Weekend Hearth-Style Treats

These buttery chocolate chip cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a soft crumb. Made by combining softened butter, sugars, and vanilla with characteristic semi-sweet chocolate chips, they bake to golden edges while remaining tender inside. Optional nuts add a subtle crunch. Ideal for weekend baking, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweet and rich flavors that pair beautifully with milk or coffee.

Preparation involves creaming butter and sugars, folding in dry ingredients gently, and careful baking to achieve a moist center with crisp edges. Variations include nut-free or nut-enhanced versions with walnuts or pecans. Finishing with flaky sea salt brings an elevated touch. The process is straightforward, suitable for cooks of all levels wanting a comforting and delicious treat.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:20:00 GMT
Warm, golden-brown Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, fresh from the oven, ready for enjoying with a cold glass of milk. Save
Warm, golden-brown Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, fresh from the oven, ready for enjoying with a cold glass of milk. | meadowcinder.com

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies with a soft crumb, inspired by cozy weekend baking traditions. These comforting cookies are packed with rich chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla for the perfect nostalgic treat.

Inspired by cozy weekend baking traditions, these cookies have become a family favorite that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs at room temperature, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Add-ins: 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and light, about 2 3 minutes.
Step 4:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined do not overmix.
Step 6:
Fold in the chocolate chips and if using the chopped nuts.
Step 7:
Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8:
Bake for 10 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
Step 9:
Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| meadowcinder.com

Family gatherings are always sweeter with a batch of these classic chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven.

Notes

For extra soft cookies underbake slightly and allow to finish setting on the baking sheet Swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch Pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer or sturdy whisk Measuring cups and spoons Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire rack Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Eggs Dairy Tree Nuts if using nuts Chocolate chips may contain traces of soy or dairy check labels if needed For nut-free cookies omit the nuts and ensure chocolate chips are processed in a nut-free facility

A close up shows overflowing chocolate chips in these soft, delicious Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect dessert. Save
A close up shows overflowing chocolate chips in these soft, delicious Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect dessert. | meadowcinder.com
Product image
Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.
Check price on Amazon

This classic chocolate chip cookie recipe delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor with every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

The combination of softened butter, brown and granulated sugars creates moisture and tenderness, while careful baking ensures a soft center.

Can I substitute the nuts in this treat?

Yes, walnuts can be swapped with pecans or omitted entirely for a nut-free version without affecting the texture much.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough prior to baking and measuring flour accurately helps maintain shape without excessive spreading.

Is it better to underbake these cookies?

Slightly underbaking and letting the cookies finish setting on the baking sheet maintains a soft, chewy inside and crisp edge.

What is the best way to store these baked treats?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness, ideally consuming within a week for optimal texture.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, buttery chocolate chip cookies with rich chips and a touch of vanilla for a nostalgic treat.

Time to prep
15 minutes
Time to cook
12 minutes
Time needed
27 minutes
Author Lily Harris


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Diet info Vegetarian-friendly

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Mix dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 06

Fold in chocolate chips and nuts: Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 07

Portion dough: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 08

Bake: Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers remain soft.

Step 09

Cool cookies: Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Allergy warnings

Scan all components for allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and tree nuts if using.
  • Chocolate chips may contain traces of soy or dairy; verify labels for allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (one portion)

For informational use only. Not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 170
  • Fat content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Protein amount: 2 grams