Name: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons hot water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts

If you’re on a lifelong quest for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, your search ends here! These cookies strike the ultimate balance of crispy edges and soft, gooey centers, dotted with luscious chocolate chips and a crunchy hint of walnuts. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating your family to a cozy afternoon snack, or just conquering a cookie craving, this batch will quickly become your go-to favorite—just wait until you smell them fresh out of the oven!

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a vital role, so don’t be tempted to skip or substitute—the magic is in the mix. From the creamy butter to the melty chocolate chips, using the best quality you can find will make your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies truly unforgettable.

Butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter is the foundation of flavor and helps create tender, rich cookies with just the right chew.
White Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create those irresistibly crisp edges.
Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Brings a hint of caramel depth and contributes to the cookies’ chewy interior.
Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and lend extra richness and lift to the dough.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies with a warm, classic bakery aroma and flavor.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough as they bake—don’t skip this!
Hot Water (2 teaspoons): Activates the baking soda for an even texture throughout each bite.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and deepens flavor—you’ll notice if it’s missing!
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Provides structure without weighing the dough down.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The unmistakable star of Best Chocolate Chip Cookies—use your favorite brand for chocolate that melts perfectly.
Chopped Walnuts (1 cup): Optional but highly recommended—adds crunch and a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all of your ingredients in advance. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature (not melted!) and your eggs are also at room temp—this ensures everything blends smoothly and evenly. The little details matter in the quest for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This process incorporates air, which gives the cookies a lovely, tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. These additions bring moisture and that classic, fragrant note you associate with bakery-fresh cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Baking Soda and Salt

In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in hot water—this activates the rising power and ensures a perfectly even distribution in the dough. Add this mixture along with the salt to your batter, mixing just until combined.

Step 5: Add Flour, Chocolate Chips, and Walnuts

Gradually stir in the flour so you don’t over-mix (which can toughen cookies). Once the flour is almost fully incorporated, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. The dough should be thick and studded with chocolate and nuts for the ultimate Best Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dough by rounded spoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Spacing ensures the cookies spread just right and bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. They may look slightly underdone in the center, but they’ll set up perfectly as they cool—this is the secret to that irresistible texture!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest helps them hold their shape and keeps the centers soft and chewy. Now comes the best part: eat warm or let cool—either way, dive in!

How to Serve Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For that “wow” factor, sprinkle the cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt while they’re still warm—this amplifies the chocolate and balances the sweetness. Sometimes, a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a dusting of powdered sugar takes presentation (and taste!) up a notch.

Side Dishes

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies are practically perfect solo, but they pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream, or even alongside fresh berries for a playful twist on dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in a rustic cookie jar, tie a few with twine for take-home favors, or serve as the star of a cookie platter for parties. For celebrations, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for instant homemade ice cream sandwiches with a bakery-shop feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay as delicious as day one for up to a week (if they last that long!). Tuck a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft and chewy.

Freezing

To have Best Chocolate Chip Cookies any time you crave them, freeze scooped, unbaked dough on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can also freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment. Either way, they’ll keep their lovely texture and flavor for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm and gooey, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds brings them right back to life. For larger batches, a few minutes in a 300 degree F oven will make them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute walnuts with another nut or leave them out?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts work beautifully, or simply skip the nuts if you prefer a classic, nut-free Best Chocolate Chip Cookies experience.

Why do I need to dissolve baking soda in hot water?

Dissolving the baking soda ensures it’s activated and spreads evenly throughout the dough, helping the cookies rise perfectly and avoid any unpleasant bitter bites.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Definitely—mixing semisweet with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips is a fun way to customize your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies to suit your chocolate mood or guests’ preferences.

How do I make larger bakery-style cookies with this recipe?

Simply increase the size of each dough ball, placing them farther apart on the baking sheet, and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You’ll get those gorgeous, thick-center cookies straight from your own oven.

My cookies spread too much—what did I do wrong?

This is usually caused by butter that’s too warm or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is just softened and be precise with your measurements for perfect Best Chocolate Chip Cookies every time.

Final Thoughts

Every baker deserves a signature cookie, and these truly are the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies to claim as your own! So preheat that oven, gather your favorite people, and watch these beauties disappear faster than you can say “just one more.” Happy baking!