Soft-Baked Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Tender, fluffy chocolate chip cookies with a perfect balance of sweet dough and rich chocolate, ideal for any cookie lover. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt 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 180 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: 10 min Serves 24 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips evenly.
  7. Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft; remove from oven and let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soft-Baked Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Baked Classic 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-Baked Classic 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-Baked Classic 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-Baked Classic 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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