Name: Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar; ¾ cup (160g) packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

I absolutely adore these cookies and I’m excited to share my Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with you. From the moment you bite into one, you’ll notice how incredibly soft and chewy they are, studded with melty chocolate chips that feel like little pockets of happiness. I love making this recipe because it’s straightforward, quick, and yields a big batch of crowd-pleasers perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family night or a festive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

What truly makes this recipe stand out for me is the perfect balance of flavors and texture. The cookies have that classic vanilla-sweet base with the richness of brown sugar, bringing a subtle caramel note, while the golden edges add just a hint of crunch for contrast. And those semisweet chocolate chips melt so beautifully, ensuring every bite is warm and buttery with gooey chocolate running through it. I swear, each cookie tastes just like comfort and nostalgia rolled into one.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how effortless it is. The ingredients are simple and pantry staples, and the steps come together in under 20 minutes, including prep and baking time. This means I can whip up a big batch without any fuss or stress, which is perfect when I need a quick homemade treat. Plus, these cookies are so versatile — I love bringing them to holiday parties, handing them out at school events, or just enjoying them fresh with a glass of cold milk after dinner. It’s a truly reliable recipe that delivers in every way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in three places: five cookies on a silver baking tray lined with white paper, five cookies cooling on a metal wire rack, and one cookie being lifted off the rack by a spatula held by a woman's hand. The cookies are golden brown with scattered dark chocolate chips on top, slightly rounded and soft-looking. The silver tray is held by another person's hand wearing a pink oven mitt. A red measuring cup filled with white flour sits on a white marbled table covered partly by a vintage-style green and yellow tablecloth with floral and line patterns. The background also shows a folded yellow and white checkered cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love how this recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing structure, sweetness, or that luscious texture that keeps these cookies soft and tender.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness to the cookies;
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates the classic chewy texture;
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors;
Unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel;
Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and a little crunch on the edges;
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone for depth;
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, sweet notes that tie everything together;
Large eggs: Bind the dough while adding richness and softness;
Semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient providing melty pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside—this dry mix will combine perfectly with the wet ingredients later.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. It usually takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer, and this step is key to silky, well-incorporated dough.

Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract as well. These additions build the cookie’s richness and flavor foundation.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or the cookies might turn out tough.

Step 6: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step ensures every cookie gets its fair share of chocolatey pockets.

Step 7: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread without touching.

Step 8: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft and set. If you want extra chewy cookies, stick closer to 9 minutes for that perfect gooey middle.

Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up slightly while keeping that soft texture inside.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 36 deliciously soft chocolate chip cookies, perfect for sharing or storing. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep, 12 minutes to bake, and about 2 minutes of cooling on the sheet. In total, you can have fresh, warm cookies ready to enjoy in just 17 minutes, which is perfect when you want a quick and satisfying treat.

How to Serve This Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows several golden brown cookies with large shiny dark chocolate chunks melted and oozing in the center. One cookie is broken, revealing a soft, chewy inside with gooey chocolate spreading out. The cookies are scattered on a white marbled surface with a few bits of white sea salt sprinkled on top of them, adding a touch of texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these cookies, I love pairing them with a cold glass of milk — it’s the ultimate classic combo that never fails to satisfy. If you want to get fancy, try warming the cookies slightly (just 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave) and serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but indulgent dessert. This turn-it-into-sundae idea is my go-to for weekend treats or special occasions.

I also enjoy garnishing the plate with a few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate presentation when serving guests. These cookies look inviting when stacked on a pretty platter or arranged with festive napkins for holidays and parties. Their warmth and soft texture make them a heartwarming addition to any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual coffee break.

For beverage pairings beyond milk, I recommend a lightly brewed coffee or a cup of fragrant herbal tea to balance the sweetness. If you’d like to serve these cookies at a brunch or afternoon gathering, try pairing them with sparkling water infused with lemon or a cold brew for an adult twist. No matter the setting, these cookies shine best at room temperature or just slightly warmed to enhance the melty chocolate experience.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe to keep things exciting. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans is another favorite variation that adds delightful crunch and richness.

For dietary modifications, I’ve had great results making these cookies gluten-free by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan twist, replacing butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) works well, though the texture will be a touch different—still deliciously soft but with a subtle coconut note.

Another fun idea is to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball before baking to create that irresistible sweet-salty contrast. If you prefer cake-like cookies, try reducing the baking soda slightly and adding a tablespoon of cornstarch for an even softer crumb. And finally, these cookies can be baked on a pizza stone to help them bake evenly without too much spreading if you want a thicker cookie.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days this way. Avoid refrigerating them as this could make the cookies firmer or dry out their tender texture.

Freezing

Good news — this recipe freezes beautifully! You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls; just scoop them, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag for quick-bake fresh cookies anytime you want.

Reheating

To reheat cookies, I recommend warming them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that soft, melty texture. If you prefer oven reheating, pop them at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, but watch closely so they don’t dry out. Avoid using a toaster oven for reheating as it can make cookies too crisp and less enjoyable if you want them soft.

FAQs

Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?

For this recipe, I prefer using softened butter rather than melted because softened butter helps trap air when creamed with sugars, which contributes to a soft, fluffy texture. Melted butter would make the dough denser and more spread out, producing thinner, crispier cookies.

What can I do if my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies usually mean the dough was too warm or the baking soda wasn’t fresh. Next time, chill your dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape. Also, make sure to measure your flour correctly and use fresh leavening agents.

Can I substitute the brown sugar with all white sugar?

You can substitute with all white sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that’s key for soft cookies. Using only white sugar usually results in a crisper cookie without that chewy richness.

How do I make these cookies chewy instead of cakey?

To keep the cookies chewy, focus on not overmixing the dough and baking at the lower end of the time range (around 9 minutes). Make sure to include brown sugar, which retains moisture better than granulated sugar. Cooling cookies on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes also helps maintain their chewiness.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries or raisins for texture and flavor variation. Just fold them in gently with the chocolate chips in Step 6 to keep the dough evenly mixed.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a try because it’s truly one of my all-time favorites. It’s simple, yields plenty of cookies, and creates that perfect soft, gooey texture that will delight everyone you share them with. Baking these is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug, and I promise once you start, it’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire too!