Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There's something universally comforting about a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven, and this recipe delivers the ultimate in softness and chewiness. The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and cornstarch ensures the cookies come out perfectly soft, while semi-sweet chocolate chips bring the right level of sweetness. With these tips and techniques, you're guaranteed a batch of cookies that will become your new favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled

• 1 ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg (room temperature preferred)

• 1 egg yolk (room temperature preferred)

• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 1 ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Directions

1. Combine melted butter and sugars in a large bowl. Stir until well combined.

2. Add the egg and egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir well.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.

4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.

5. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

7. Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 45 cookies

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 11 minutes

• Total time: 26 minutes

Variations

• Milk or Dark Chocolate: Swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate to customize the flavor.

• Add-Ins: For a twist, add in nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

• Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies by reducing the scoop size, and bake for about 8-9 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading excessively.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag for later use.

How long should I bake these cookies?

Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is soft.

Can I substitute the brown sugar with more white sugar?

For the best texture and flavor, it’s best to keep the brown sugar, as it adds moisture and chewiness.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can try an egg substitute like applesauce or a flax egg, though this might affect the texture slightly.

Can I use self-rising flour?

It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour and add baking soda separately for the right texture and rise.

How can I make my cookies chewier?

Make sure to use melted butter and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

How can I make the cookies less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

How can I tell if the cookies are done?

The cookies should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These perfect chocolate chip cookies are the ideal blend of softness, chewiness, and sweetness. With simple ingredients and helpful tips, this recipe will become your go-to for making the most delicious homemade cookies. Whether for a family treat or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them.