Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Perfect chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges and melty chocolate stacked on wooden board with milk

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

These perfect chocolate chip cookies deliver crispy, caramelized edges with soft, chewy centers and pools of melted chocolate in every bite. Reliable, forgiving, and deeply nostalgic, this go-to recipe is ideal for bake sales, holidays, or late-night cravings. After years of testing, this method guarantees bakery-style cookies every single time.

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter for 1 minute, then add both sugars and beat 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips and chunks by hand.
  7. Cover and chill dough for at least 30 minutes (24 hours recommended).
  8. Scoop dough into 3-tablespoon balls and space 3 inches apart on baking sheets.
  9. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
  10. Bake 11–13 minutes until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
  11. Cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

For thicker cookies, chill dough longer and shape dough balls taller rather than wider. Underbake slightly for soft centers. Dough can be refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen for later baking.

  • Author: Ouma Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American