Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or just enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies deliver an unbeatable combination of softness and chewiness. With their rich flavor and gooey chocolate chips, they are sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe stands out because it ensures that every batch turns out perfectly each time you bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Soft: The secret to their texture lies in chilling the dough, resulting in cookies that are irresistibly soft and chewy.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 38 servings, these cookies are great for gatherings or as gifts to friends and family.
• Versatile Flavor: You can customize them by adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips for a fun twist!
• Freezer Friendly: The cookie dough can be frozen, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather all necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoon)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a well-mixed dough.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion out uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

These chocolate chip cookies are extra soft, thick, and chewy. This is my FAVORITE recipe for chocolate chip cookies, and they turn out perfect every time!

For the Dough

• 2 and 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Chips

• 1 12-ounce package (2 cups; 340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a handheld mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
– Then add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips on low speed until fully incorporated into the cookie dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Once your dough is chilled:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
– Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough

Remove cookie dough from refrigeration:
– Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop portions of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets.
– Ensure there’s enough space between each ball of dough.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 10–12 minutes:
– Look for lightly golden brown edges with set tops.
– Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Classic Pairing: There’s nothing like dipping a warm cookie into a cold glass of milk. It enhances the flavors and makes for a nostalgic experience.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Cookie Sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert. This combination creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Decadent Topping: A light drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the cookies adds extra sweetness and richness, perfect for chocolate lovers.

On a Dessert Platter

• Party Treat: Arrange your soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other desserts. They’ll stand out as the star of the show!

With Fresh Berries

• Fruity Contrast: Serve your cookies with fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

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How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the ultimate soft and chewy texture, follow these essential tips for baking your cookies.

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps solidify the fat, leading to thicker cookies that remain chewy.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures better mixing and results in softer cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies.
• Watch Your Bake Time: Remove cookies from the oven when they are just set but not overbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Store Properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft for days!
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies can be paired with various side dishes that complement their rich flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option that balances out dessert.
3. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors while providing a cozy atmosphere.
4. Nut Butter Spread: Serve with almond or peanut butter spread on toast for an extra protein boost that pairs well with sweet treats.
5. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda on a cheese board, offering savory notes against sweet cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Create a fun dessert experience by dipping cookie pieces in warm chocolate fondue, making each bite even more decadent.
7. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up toppings next to ice cream so guests can create their own sundaes featuring bits of your delicious cookies!
8. Milkshake or Smoothie: Pair your cookies with a milkshake or smoothie for a refreshing drink that complements their flavor perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect batch of Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overmixing the Dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Skipping Chilling Time – Chilling the dough is essential for soft and chewy cookies. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature – Baking at too high or low a temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately – Improper measurements can change the texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Using Cold Eggs – Cold eggs can affect how well they incorporate into the dough. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and reheat on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve extra chewy chocolate chip cookies?

To ensure your cookies are extra chewy, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and don’t overbake them!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What makes Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies soft?

The combination of butter, brown sugar, and chilling time contributes to their soft texture.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to retain freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even using different types of chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try for an irresistible treat that everyone will love!