If you have ever searched for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe, the kind that turns out golden on the edges, soft in the center, and filled with warm melted chocolate, you are in the right place. This is my favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies. It is simple, easy to make, and tastes like something straight from a bakery.
You do not need any fancy ingredients or equipment. Just a few simple steps, a mixing bowl, and a little patience. These cookies come out soft, chewy, buttery, and full of rich chocolate flavor every single time.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are so many chocolate chip cookie recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons.
- The butter is browned before mixing, which adds a rich and slightly nutty flavor that takes the taste to another level.
- The cookies stay soft and chewy for days after baking.
- The balance of brown and white sugar gives the perfect texture and sweetness.
- You can easily make them in one bowl, so there is less mess.
- The dough can be chilled to make bakery-style thick cookies.
Every bite of these cookies is a mix of soft center, crispy edge, and melty chocolate.
Ingredients You Will Need
You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. Here is the full list of ingredients.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark, both work)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
Add-ins
- 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Optional: a small pinch of sea salt to sprinkle on top
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Place the butter in a saucepan and melt it over medium heat. Keep stirring until it starts to foam and turn golden brown. You will smell a warm, nutty aroma. Remove the pan from heat and let the butter cool for about 10 minutes. This step gives the cookies an amazing deep flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, pour in the cooled brown butter. Add the brown sugar and white sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla, then add the egg and the extra yolk. Stir until everything is well combined and slightly thick.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a dough forms.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks with a spatula. Save a few to press on top of the dough later before baking.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. You can also chill it overnight for an even richer flavor. Chilling helps the cookies bake thicker and keeps them chewy.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop out about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the tray about two inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers still look soft. Do not overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook a little while cooling.
Step 7: Let Them Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. This allows them to set while staying soft and chewy inside.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie
- Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Always brown the butter properly. It makes a big difference.
- Do not skip the chilling step if you want thick, chewy cookies.
- Take the cookies out of the oven when they still look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
- If you like a hint of saltiness, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top before baking.
Storage and Freezing
You can store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To make them taste freshly baked again, warm one in the microwave for about ten seconds before eating.
If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough balls. Just scoop them onto a tray, freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you crave cookies, bake them straight from frozen, adding one or two extra minutes to the baking time.
Why You Will Love These Cookies
They are soft, buttery, chewy, and filled with rich chocolate flavor. The brown butter gives them a deep, caramel-like taste that makes them stand out from regular cookie recipes. The edges are crisp, the middle is soft, and every bite feels like a small treat of comfort and joy.
Once you try this recipe, it might become your go-to for every occasion. Bake them for a cozy night, a family get-together, or a weekend treat. Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies coming from the oven.
Final Thought
Baking chocolate chip cookies is simple, but making them perfect takes just a few small steps — browning the butter, chilling the dough, and baking them just right. This recipe combines all those details to give you cookies that are truly soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
Try them once, and you will understand why this is the best and most perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe ever.
