Soft and Tender Chocolate Chip Cookies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic chocolate chip cookies that turn out soft, tender, and perfectly chewy every time. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, layers unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 24 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tsp vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until combined and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips evenly through the dough.
  5. Step 5: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
  6. Step 6: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soft and Tender Chocolate Chip Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Soft and Tender Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Tender Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Soft and Tender Chocolate Chip Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Soft and Tender Chocolate Chip Cookies?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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