The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

You asked for The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, so here’s a no-nonsense, perfectly chewy, golden-edged, gooey-centered recipe that’s stood the test of time. Crisp on the edges, soft in the middle, and packed with melty chocolate — this is the ultimate version.

🍪 The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed – light or dark for deeper flavor)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)

• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter and sugars

   • In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

3. Add wet ingredients

   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

4. Mix dry ingredients

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine

   • Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.

   • Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).

6. Chill the dough (optional but highly recommended)

   • Chill for 30 minutes to overnight. This enhances flavor and texture.

7. Scoop and bake

   • Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls (about the size of a golf ball).

   • Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

   • Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.

   • Do not overbake! Cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

8. Cool and enjoy

   • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🔄 Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies:

• Use room temp butter – soft but not melty.

• Try mixing chocolate types: semisweet + dark or chunks + chips.

• Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for that pro bakery finish.

• Bake a test cookie first to check spread and doneness.