The smell hits firstwarm butter, toasted sugar, and a hint of vanilla curling through the kitchen air. Soon the oven hums and golden edges puff up just right. These Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies check all the boxes: thick, chewy, melty in the middle. No wonder they’re popping up again and again as the go-to cozy treat.
This version is buttery and rich, with just the right ratio of crisp edge to soft center. A quick chill in the fridge brings out deep flavor without dragging out the process. You’ll only need pantry basicsno fancy tools or mixers. Picture the best parts of those thick old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, but made with less fuss and more chocolate in every bite.
I started baking these back in 2015, when I was experimenting with cookie textures after shooting a holiday baking spread. My neighbor bit into one and literally pausedthen whispered, “Oh wow.” That’s when I learned chilling the dough just 30 minutes helps keep them thick and gooey inside. Since then, I’ve photographed dozens of cookie recipes, but this one still gets the most requests from friends and readers alike.
Thomas Baker
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies You Need to Try
Discover the joy of baking with this Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe that’s both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for those who love Thick Old fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies, this recipe blends the Original Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe tradition with a tasty twist. Whether you’re craving Chocolate Chip Cookies Tasty enough for any occasion or simply want an Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies treat, this recipe hits the spot every time.
1 cup Cold Butter (cut into cubes or microwave for 7-8 seconds for slightly thinner cookies)
1 cup Brown Sugar
3/4 cup Sugar
2 large Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla
2 3/4 cups Flour (all-purpose or 1 cup cake flour and 1 3/4 cups all-purpose)
1 teaspoon Cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
3/4 teaspoon Salt
2 to 2 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or mix of milk chocolate and semi-sweet)
Method
Begin by warming your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 385 degrees if you suspect your oven runs hot. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the cold butter with both sugars until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 4 minutes. Next, add eggs and vanilla extract and continue mixing for another minute until well combined. Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together, then gently add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Fold in your choice of chocolate chips carefully. If you have the time, cover the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 24 hours to develop flavor; otherwise, scoop the dough onto parchment-lined or silicone baking mats placed on light-colored baking sheets to avoid burning. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool fully.
Notes
For a richer taste and better texture, chill your cookie dough tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 24 hours. Before baking, bring dough to room temperature for 15-30 minutes; if crumbly, gently press it back together. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips for the classic flavor or mix with milk chocolate for a sweeter bite. Favorite brands include Guittard, Ghirardelli, and Trader Joe’s, each offering unique chocolate chip sizes and flavors.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are more than just a dessertthey’re an experience. Here’s why they’ll quickly become your favorite:
Cozy nostalgia: They remind you of thick old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, but bettersoft, chewy, and full of melty chocolate.
No special tools required: You don’t need a fancy mixer or hard-to-find ingredients. Just your basics and a little time.
Flexible timing: Chill the dough for extra-thick cookies or skip straight to baking for immediate satisfactionit’s all up to you.
Reliable & beginner-friendly: Step-by-step instructions mean you’ll nail these every time, even if you’re not a frequent baker.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Before diving in, let’s explore the essential elements that make this chocolate chip cookie recipe shine.
Butter: Cold butter is the secret to cookies that hold their shape! For slightly thinner cookies, soften it in the microwave for just a few seconds.
Brown sugar and white sugar: This duo creates both chewiness and that golden sweetness.
Flour blend: Use all-purpose flour or swap part of it for cake flour for a softer texture.
Chocolate chips: Go semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even a mix. Pro tip: try cutting up a chocolate bar for homemade chocolate chips.
Tools: A cookie scoop ensures perfectly even cookies, and parchment paper makes sliding them off the sheet a breeze.
These steps are straightforward, ensuring delicious, thick old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies with minimal stress.
Cream the butter and sugars: Beat cold butter with brown and white sugars until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. This process creates air pockets, essential for a soft, chewy texture.
Add the wet ingredients: Mix in eggs and vanilla until just combined. Take your time here so everything blends smoothly.
Stir in the dry ingredients: Add your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combinedovermixing toughens cookies!
Fold in the chocolate chips: Stir gently to evenly distribute the chocolatey goodness.
Scoop and bake: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 400°F (or 385°F if your oven runs hot) for 8–11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tip: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This helps them set perfectly.
Troubleshooting & Tips
Cookies can sometimes be a little temperamental, but here’s how to ensure baking success every time:
Dough too crumbly? If you chilled the dough, let it sit out for 15–30 minutes to soften slightly. It’ll come together as you form it into balls.
Too thin? Make sure your butter wasn’t too warm, and never skip chilling if you want extra-thick cookies.
Uneven browning? Double-check your oven temperaturean oven thermometer is your best friend.
Baking & Timing Overview
Step
Time
Notes
Preheat Oven (with chilling)
20 minutes
Wrap dough tightly to avoid drying out
Mix & Assemble
15 minutes
Don’t overmix dry ingredients
Baking Time
8–11 minutes
Edges should be lightly golden
Serving and Storing Your Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now that your delicious chocolate chip cookies are ready, here’s how to best enjoy and keep them fresh:
Serve: These treats are best warm out of the oven with a cold glass of milk. Day-old? Pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Store: Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them soft.
Freeze: Dough or baked cookies freeze effortlessly. Scoop dough balls onto a sheet, freeze, then store in a bag. To bake, add 1–2 extra minutes to the cook time.
Note: These cookies also make wonderful giftsbundle a few in parchment with a lovely ribbon for a heartfelt treat.
Expert Says
When making homemade chocolate chip cookies, the balance of fats and sugars is key to achieving the perfect texture. Butter creates a tender crumb, while the right sugar ratio controls spread and crispness. Using room-temperature ingredients also ensures even mixing and a consistent bake every time.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Journey to Perfect Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
After more than a dozen test batches, including one where I accidentally added salt instead of sugar, these homemade chocolate chip cookies finally reached their sweet spot. Each try helped me balance the gooey center with just the right crisp edges, making this recipe the reliable favorite it is today.
FAQs ( Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies )
How do I get chewy homemade chocolate chip cookies?
For chewy cookies, use more brown sugar than white sugar and avoid overbaking. Slightly underbaking by 1-2 minutes keeps the centers soft. Adding an extra egg yolk can also boost moisture, giving you that perfect chewiness in this recipe.
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, mixing semisweet, bittersweet, or even milk chocolate chips adds depth of flavor. Chopping a bar into chunks gives varied texture and melt. Just avoid using chocolate with added fillings, as they can affect baking consistency in this dish.
How can I make thick old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better. Use less butter or swap some for shortening to reduce spread. Scoop larger dough balls and bake at a slightly lower temperature for thicker results with a soft center.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. Adding a slice of bread inside helps keep them soft by adding moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?
For gluten-free, use a trusted gluten-free flour blend measured 1:1. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for dairy-free options. Use flax or chia seed eggs as an egg substitute; however, texture will vary slightly from the original chocolate chip recipe.
Conclusion
From mixing to baking, this homemade chocolate chip cookies recipe is a breeze, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. You’ll adore how these thick, chewy treats turn out every timesoft in the center with perfectly crisp edges.
Feel free to vary your chocolate chips, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or try chilling the dough overnight for extra depth of flavor. For leftovers, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that fresh-baked magicmy little secret (and one from my aunt’s kitchen!) for truly happy snack moments.
Did these cookies evoke a favorite family recipe or a cozy kitchen moment for you? I’d love to see your photos or hear your stories in the comments below! Save this easy chocolate chip cookie recipe and share it with someone who needs a little homemade comfort today.
