Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, you’ve just struck gold. These cookies are a delightful blend of soft chewiness and just the right amount of crispy edges, making them the perfect companion to your afternoon coffee or an evening treat. What makes this recipe special for me is the balance of dark and milk chocolate chips – it’s like a little surprise in every bite that keeps you coming back for more.
I love making these cookies whenever I want to impress friends or just treat myself after a long day. They’re straightforward to whip up, but the way the ingredients come together gives you that homemade charm that store-bought cookies cannot match. Trust me, once you try this Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it’s going to be your go-to for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and rich flavor we all crave in the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Picking quality ingredients will really make a difference, especially when it comes to the butter and chocolate chips.
- Unsalted butter: Cubed butter at room temperature helps with even creaming and the perfect cookie texture.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: Spoon and level rather than scooping for accurate measurement to avoid dense cookies.
- Cornflour (cornstarch): Adds tenderness and softness to the cookie crumb – a little secret ingredient I swear by.
- Baking powder: Helps with a light, gentle rise – avoid substituting with more baking soda here.
- Baking soda (bi-carb): Gives that classic rise and crisp edge that defines great cookies.
- Cooking salt (kosher salt preferred): Balances and enhances all the sweet flavors in the cookie.
- Brown sugar (light): Adds moisture and a rich caramel note that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- Caster sugar (superfine sugar): Helps with a slight crispness on the outside, and dissolves quicker for even sweetness.
- Large egg: Room temperature eggs ensure even mixing and prevent dough clumping.
- Egg yolk: Adds extra richness and chewiness to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Essential for deepening the cookie’s overall flavor in a simple way.
- Dark chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chips offer a slight bitterness that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Milk chocolate chips: Brings a creamy, sweet melt that complements the dark chips perfectly.
Variations
I love tweaking the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe depending on the mood or occasion, and you should too! Feel free to experiment with mix-ins or even tweak techniques to tailor the cookies exactly how you like them.
- Nutty twist: Adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch and works great if you like texture contrasts.
- Salted caramel: Swirl in some caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top for an indulgent flavor combo I adore.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the plain flour for a trusted gluten-free blend – just watch the dough consistency, it might need a tiny adjustment.
- Fudgy centers: Chill the dough overnight – this little patience pays off with thicker, chewier cookies that bake up with a gooey heart.
How to Make Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Tools
Start by cutting your butter into small cubes so it softens evenly. Measure your flour carefully – I like spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off without packing it down. It might seem small, but this step prevents dense cookies. Also, make sure your eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Step 2: Creaming That Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cubed butter with the brown and caster sugars until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and pale. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush it because this step traps air, which is key to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the whole egg and then the extra yolk, followed by your vanilla extract. The extra yolk amps up the richness and chewiness—I always find this the magic ingredient that turns good cookies into amazing ones.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cornflour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps the cookies rise evenly and taste balanced.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no large flour streaks.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part: fold in both the dark and milk chocolate chips evenly with a spatula. Reserve a handful of chips to sprinkle on top of your cookies before baking – it makes them look irresistible!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Scoop dough onto a lined baking tray, leaving space for spreading. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for about 12-14 minutes. You want the edges golden but the centers still soft—that’s the sweet spot. Let them cool a bit on the tray so they finish setting perfectly.
How to Serve Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
While I usually keep these cookies simple, sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after coming out of the oven. It brightens the chocolate flavor and adds a nice texture contrast. For holiday treats, a light dusting of cocoa powder or edible glitter can make a fun presentation.
Side Dishes
There’s no better companion to these cookies than a cold glass of milk or your favorite coffee. For a cozy afternoon, I like pairing them with hot chocolate or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn these into an incredible dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ll stack these cookies with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for a quick and impressive cookie trifle. You can also sandwich them with peanut butter or Nutella for a decadent cookie sandwich that always disappears fast at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps keep them moist and soft—don’t ask me why it works, but trust me, it does!
Freezing
This dough freezes beautifully, so I often portion it out into balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. When I want fresh cookies, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a couple minutes to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver when you want quick fresh-baked cookies without the mess.
Reheating
To revive cookies, I pop them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 15 seconds. This refreshes that freshly-baked warmth and brings back the gooey chocolate goodness.
FAQs
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Can you make the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe without brown sugar?
Brown sugar contributes moisture and a deeper flavor thanks to its molasses content. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses or honey to mimic the effect. However, the texture might be slightly less chewy.
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Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?
Combining baking soda and baking powder helps achieve the ideal rise and texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar for spread and browning, while baking powder gives a gentle lift, ensuring your cookies are tender and not flat.
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Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mixing dark and milk chocolate chips adds depth, but feel free to try white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bars. Just watch how they melt and adjust baking time if needed.
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How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Use properly measured flour (spoon and level) and chill your dough if it’s too warm. Also, make sure not to over-soften your butter before mixing. These tips help keep your cookies thick and perfectly shaped.
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Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chilling the dough for at least an hour or overnight actually improves the flavor and texture. It lets the ingredients meld together, leading to thicker, more flavorful cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe isn’t just about the final cookie—it’s about the memories that come with baking them. I remember countless afternoons baking alongside family, sharing laughs, and stealing warm cookies straight from the tray. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing these cookies as I do. So go ahead, tuck this recipe away and make some magic in your kitchen soon—you deserve it!
PrintUltimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
A classic and irresistible chocolate chip cookie recipe featuring a perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers. Made with a combination of brown and caster sugars, rich butter, and a generous mix of dark and milk chocolate chips, these cookies are a timeless treat ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 medium-sized cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Butter
- 225g / 2 US sticks unsalted butter, cut into 1cm / 1/2″ cubes
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (300g) plain flour / all-purpose flour, spooned and levelled
- 3 tsp cornflour/cornstarch, tightly packed and levelled
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda / bi-carb, sifted if lumpy
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for table salt, increase by 50% for flakes)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tightly packed cup (200g) light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar / superfine sugar
- 1 large egg (55g / 2 oz), at room temperature
- 1 yolk from a large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) dark chocolate chips / semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for decorating
- 3/4 cup (150g) milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter cubes with the brown sugar and caster sugar until the mixture is pale, creamy, and smooth. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in one large room-temperature egg, followed by the additional egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour dust flying everywhere. Continue mixing just until combined; do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark and milk chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight), allowing the dough to firm up, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Scoop and Arrange Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each (about 2 inches) to allow for spreading. Optionally, press extra chocolate chips on top for a decorative finish.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies set properly without breaking.
Notes
- Note 1: Spoon and level the flour rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup to avoid adding excess flour, which can result in dense cookies.
- Note 2: Do not substitute more baking powder for baking soda; the combined leavening agents give the perfect texture.
- Note 3: Using a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips balances sweetness and richness for a more complex flavor.
- Chilling the dough is essential for flavor development and to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure better emulsification and texture.