Soft-Baked Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Tender and fluffy vanilla-infused cookies bursting with semi-sweet chocolate chips, perfect for a classic sweet treat. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, layers unsalted butter, granulated sugar, packed 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 190 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 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 tsp pure vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp fine salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  5. Step 5: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
  6. Step 6: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soft-Baked Vanilla 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 Vanilla 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 Vanilla 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 Vanilla 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 Vanilla 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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