Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’re hunting for soft, bakery-worthy cookies that strike the perfect balance between crisp edges and gooey centers, you’re in the right place—because this Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what dreams are made of. With simple techniques and classic pantry staples, you’re only a half hour away from freshly baked cookies that’ll have everyone swooning. Whether you adore melty chocolate pockets or that luscious chewy bite, this is the recipe you’ll reach for again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how a humble lineup of kitchen staples transforms into something spectacular. Each ingredient plays a key role—think deep brown sugar for flavor, lots of chocolate chips for decadence, and a splash of vanilla for warmth. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you need it):
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie, providing just enough structure so every bite stays satisfyingly chewy.
- Baking soda: This gives just the right lift, helping cookies spread and brown without going flat or cakey.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! A little salt balances sweetness and brings all the flavors to life.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to those tender, irresistibly soft centers—let it warm to room temp for the dreamiest texture.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a mellow caramel-like richness that makes these cookies so chewy and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness and crisp golden edges—essential for cookie perfection.
- Large eggs: Two eggs add richness and help bind everything together, locking in that chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract: A fragrant splash that amps up the chocolate and rounds out all the flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Two full cups guarantee melty chocolate in every bite—just how we like it!
How to Make Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by getting your oven nice and toasty—set it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake properly and get those perfectly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and chewy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This distributes the leavening and seasoning evenly through the dough, so every cookie bakes up just right with no surprise salty (or bland) bites.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important: creaming gives you those amazing chewy insides and golden edges we all crave in a Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition so the dough stays smooth and cohesive. Then pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined—you’ll notice the dough turning a beautiful, glossy golden color.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined. Don’t overdo it—overmixing creates tough cookies. You want to stop as soon as you can’t see any more streaks of flour.
Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Add those glorious chocolate chips, stirring them through gently. Every spoonful of dough should be absolutely loaded—after all, this is the Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe we’re talking about!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, keeping them about two inches apart to leave room for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers look a touch underdone (they’ll set as they cool).
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—patience is key here! Then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling down. This keeps them soft and chewy every single time.
How to Serve Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie for a flavor pop that makes the chocolate shine. You can also dust with a touch of powdered sugar for an extra hint of sweetness or add a drizzle of melted chocolate if you want to get a little fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk (the classic move) or a cozy cup of coffee or hot chocolate, especially on chilly afternoons. For a decadent dessert plate, serve alongside whipped cream, fresh berries, or a mini scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top of a warm cookie.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies high on a vintage cake stand for parties, gift them in a mason jar tied with ribbon, or make cookie ice cream sandwiches by pressing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. These little touches turn the Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe into a memorable treat for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies super fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay delicious and chewy for up to five days. If you want to keep them even longer, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain the perfect soft bite!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, both as baked cookies or raw dough balls. For dough, scoop onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer (just add another minute or two to the bake time). For baked cookies, store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months—perfect for late-night cravings!
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a bit of their original warmth, simply pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate will melt just enough for that “fresh from the oven” experience. For large batches, cover with foil and warm briefly in a low oven.
FAQs
How do I get my cookies extra chewy?
The secret is in the ratio of brown sugar to white sugar and not overbaking. Pull the cookies from the oven while the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll finish setting as they cool. Chilling the dough can also help create a chewier texture.
Can I add nuts or use different chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts make delicious additions. Swap in milk, dark, or white chocolate chips, or even chunks from a high-quality chocolate bar for a different flavor and texture in your Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Is it necessary to soften the butter?
Yes, softened butter creams better with the sugars, creating the fluffy base that results in perfectly chewy cookies. If your butter is too cold, your cookies might be dense with less spread, so let it sit out beforehand.
Can I halve or double the recipe?
Certainly! This dough scales up or down easily, so make a half batch for a small gathering or double up for parties and gifting. Just keep measurements accurate for the best results every time.
What if I don’t have parchment paper or silicone mats?
No worries—this recipe is tested on ungreased baking sheets, and it works great! The cookies release easily once slightly cooled, as the butter creates just enough of a barrier for perfect bottoms.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for your forever cookie, give this Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a go—it truly delivers all the gooey, melty, chewy perfection you could hope for. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen becomes the new “cookie headquarters”—these are just that irresistible. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintBest Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with these Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Crisp edges, soft centers, and oozing chocolate chips make these cookies a go-to favorite for all occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Additions:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: chewy chocolate chip cookies, cookie recipe, homemade cookies