The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are THE BEST soft chocolate chip cookies! No chilling required means you can enjoy ultra-thick, soft, classic cookies in no time. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in, these cookies will surely delight everyone who tries them. Their standout qualities include a rich buttery flavor and an irresistible gooey center that makes them truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With no chilling time needed, you can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes.
- Soft Texture: These cookies remain soft and chewy for days if stored properly.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of white and brown sugars creates a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Versatile: Great as a dessert or snack, they pair well with milk or coffee.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to mix in nuts or different types of chocolate for a unique twist.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best soft chocolate chip cookies, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools help ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric beaters
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or electric beaters: These save time and provide a consistent mix for creamy butter and sugar.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easier ingredient separation and mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Cookie sheet: A good cookie sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Ingredients
These are THE BEST soft chocolate chip cookies! No chilling required. Just ultra thick, soft, classic chocolate chip cookies!
- 8 tablespoons of salted butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar (I like to use raw cane sugar with a coarser texture)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (6.75 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (but I always add a little extra)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (I use a combination of chocolate chips and chocolate chunks)
How to Make The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Microwave the butter for about 40 seconds until it’s just barely melted. It should be warm but not hot.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or electric beaters, beat the melted butter with the sugars until creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and egg; beat on low speed until just combined—about 10–15 seconds. Be careful not to overbeat the egg, as this can lead to stiff cookies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the mixture. Stir until crumbles form. Use your hands to combine these crumbles into a dough that forms one large ball—aim for a dough that feels slightly between wet and dry.
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Add the chocolate chips into your dough mixture. Use your hands to combine them evenly throughout.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Roll the dough into 12 large balls (or just 9 for HUGELY awesome cookies) and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper if desired.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 9–11 minutes until they look puffy and dry with just barely golden edges. A crucial tip: DO NOT OVERBAKE! They should appear pale when removed from the oven.
Step 7: Cool Down
Let your cookies cool on the pan for about 30 minutes before enjoying. They will sink down slightly as they cool, becoming dense, buttery, and irresistibly soft. Store any leftovers in an airtight container; these cookies stay soft for several days!
How to Serve The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of fun ways to elevate your cookie experience. Whether you want a classic pairing or something unique, here are some great serving suggestions.
With Milk
- Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creamy texture complements the softness of the cookies perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor and let it ooze between the warm cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Warm with Whipped Cream
- Serve your cookies warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a light, airy touch that enhances the cookie’s richness.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle some melted chocolate sauce over the top of the cookies. This extra layer of chocolate will make them even more decadent.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top of your cookies for added crunch and flavor. This combination offers texture that pairs well with the soft centers.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your cookies on a platter alongside fresh fruits and other desserts. This creates a beautiful spread for gatherings or parties.
How to Perfect The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfecting these soft chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure every batch turns out just right.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that leads to soft cookies.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined; overmixing can result in tougher cookies. Aim for a dough that holds together without being overly worked.
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Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when they look puffy and slightly undercooked for the best soft texture.
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Let Them Rest: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven. This helps them firm up while remaining soft in the center.
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Store Properly: To maintain their softness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies shine on their own, they pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here’s a selection of delightful options:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the warm, soft cookie texture.
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Chocolate Milkshake: Blend up a rich chocolate milkshake that echoes the cookie’s flavors while adding refreshing coldness.
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Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Coffee: A hot cup of coffee enhances the flavors of chocolate, making it an ideal pairing for afternoon treats.
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Fruit Salad: Lighten up your dessert table by serving fruit salad alongside; it adds freshness and balance.
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Nutty Trail Mix: For those who enjoy crunch, offer nutty trail mix as a side snack; it adds texture and a healthy touch.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries next to your cookies for a fun twist on dessert that includes protein.
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Hot Cocoa: On chilly days, serve steaming hot cocoa as an extra cozy companion to enjoy alongside your freshly baked treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to tough cookies. Make sure to soften it, so your cookies come out soft and chewy.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make your cookies dense. Mix until just combined for fluffier results.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven properly for even baking.
- Overbaking: Overbaking will lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when they look just slightly underdone.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- You can also freeze cookie dough balls before baking for fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What makes these the best soft chocolate chip cookies?
These cookies are thick, soft, and made with a perfect balance of sugars and butter, ensuring they stay fresh longer.
Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Yes! Using dark chocolate chips can add a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie dough.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?
Remove them from the oven while they’re still slightly underbaked and allow them to cool on the pan. This helps maintain their softness.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast alongside the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
These The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding different types of chocolate or mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Give this easy recipe a try, and experience the joy of fresh-baked cookies right at home!
The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies boast a rich buttery flavor and an irresistibly gooey center that will leave everyone craving more. With no chilling required, you can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes! Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, or elevate your dessert experience by making ice cream sandwiches. These cookies are easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Get ready to enjoy ultra-thick, soft cookies that are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar (preferably raw cane sugar)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, beat melted butter with sugars until creamy. Add vanilla and egg; mix until just combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until crumbles form; then combine into a dough ball.
- Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
- Shape dough into large balls and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until puffy and slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the pan for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
