Go Back
The Best Original Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The Best Original Chocolate Chip Cookies

A classic American chocolate chip cookie with golden edges, soft centers, buttery flavor, and plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Optional walnuts or pecans add a pleasant nutty crunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 48 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 1/4 cups (281 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 1 cup (226 g; 2 sticks) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) Granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) Packed light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs Large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (340 g) Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Add-In
  • 1 cup (about 115 g) Chopped walnuts or pecans

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl for 2–3 minutes, until light and creamy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix only until the dough comes together.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped walnuts or pecans.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoons or approximately 1 1/2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
  8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown while the centers still look slightly soft.
  9. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Notes

Do not overbake. The centers finish setting as the cookies cool, which keeps them soft and chewy. For more consistent cookies, weigh the flour or lightly spoon it into measuring cups. Dough may be chilled for 30–60 minutes to reduce spreading and deepen flavor.