If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that nails that perfect balance of soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible, then this Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Seriously, these cookies turn out tender with just the right chew, and the fact they’re so easy to whip up means you’ll have warm, fresh treats ready before you know it. Stick around—I’m about to share all my tips so you can bake these like a pro in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Every Time: Thanks to the mix of brown sugar and extra egg yolk, these cookies stay tender inside but lightly crisp on the edges.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and minimal equipment, you won’t feel overwhelmed in your kitchen.
- Customizable Size: Whether you want big, bakery-style cookies or smaller bite-sized munchies, this recipe adapts!
- Perfect Chocolate Distribution: Dividing the chocolate chips makes sure some melt inside and some stay on top, for maximum chocolate goodness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in a few simple ingredients that play off each other so well. The mix of brown and white sugar brings moisture and that classic chewy texture, while the baking soda helps them rise just right without getting cakey. I always recommend using good quality chocolate chips because those pockets of melty chocolate are what you’ll remember.
- Plain / All Purpose Flour: The base that gives the cookies structure but keeps them soft—avoid overmixing to stay tender.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda: Helps with a slight rise and keeps these cookies light, not heavy.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted means you control the salt level—it’s easier to adjust flavors and gives you that rich buttery note.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness thanks to its molasses content; packed tightly for accuracy.
- Caster Sugar (Granulated Sugar): Provides a little lift and some crispness on the edges.
- Egg + Egg Yolk: The yolk adds extra richness and softness, making all the difference for chewy cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Because vanilla makes everything better—boosts flavor depth.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is classic and melts beautifully; I like to keep some on top for looks and texture.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe invites you to get creative. You can play with sizes, add nuts, or even toss in some oats if you’re feeling adventurous—whatever makes your cookie dreams come true. For me, sometimes adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking takes these from great to unforgettable.
- Variation: I once added chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch, and it was a hit with my family.
- Dietary tweaks: Try swapping half the flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor, and don’t be afraid to experiment with plant-based butter to keep it dairy-free.
- Seasonal twists: Cinnamon or espresso powder added into the dough can give these cookies a cozy, fall vibe.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. This is your dry mix, and mixing it well at the start ensures every bite has even flavor and the right texture. Trust me, it saves headaches later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter with Care
Pop the butter cubes into a heatproof bowl and microwave in short bursts (25-40 seconds). You want the butter almost melted but not totally liquid—give it a quick whisk to finish melting. Using this slightly melted butter results in chewier cookies. Avoid overheating or you’ll accidentally cook the eggs later!
Step 3: Mix In Sugars and Eggs
Add both brown and caster sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously for about 15 seconds. Then, crack in the egg and extra yolk, plus your vanilla extract, and whisk again until combined. This step brings together all the richness and moisture your cookies need.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture and stir just until incorporated. Don’t overmix here—stop when you still see a few streaks of flour to keep things tender. Then fold in 1 cup of your chocolate chips. The dough will feel looser than typical cookie dough, which is normal.
Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
Give your dough about 5 minutes to stand at room temperature. It firms up enough to scoop well but stays soft enough to bake into perfect cookies. This little rest makes all the difference for texture.
Step 6: Scoop and Top
For large cookies, scoop about 3 tablespoons (one level ice cream scoop) onto trays lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For smaller cookies, use 1.5 tablespoons or half a scoop spaced closer together. Press remaining chocolate chips on top—this adds those gorgeous melty chocolate kisses that visually pop and taste fantastic.
Step 7: Bake with Care
Bake one tray at a time to maintain perfect heat. Large cookies take about 11 minutes total—8 minutes, then rotate and bake for 3 more. Smaller ones are done in 9 minutes with a similar rotation. Look for edges to turn golden and tops to be pale golden and just set; cookies should still be slightly puffy. This means they’ll be juicy inside as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let cookies cool on the tray so they finish cooking gently and firm up just enough. You’ll see them deflate slightly, but that’s perfect. Now’s the time to sneak a warm cookie (or two) and revel in your success!
Pro Tips for Making Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Butter Temperature Matters: Starting with slightly melted butter delivers soft cookies that aren’t greasy or cakey.
- Don’t Skip the Extra Egg Yolk: I’ve tried this without the egg yolk, and it just isn’t as rich or chewy—don’t skip it!
- Resting Time Is Key: Letting dough sit helps it firm up so your cookies keep shape without spreading too thin.
- Bake One Tray at a Time: Your oven stays consistent this way, ensuring even baking and gorgeous textures every batch.
How to Serve Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I tend to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before baking. It cuts through the sweetness and highlights the chocolate beautifully. Sometimes I even add a few extra chips or nuts for a little texture punch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk (classic, right?), but I also like serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade. Coffee or a rich hot chocolate works wonders too if you want to cozy up.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like arranging them on a pretty platter with small bowls of assorted toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, and caramel drizzle. It turns cookie time into a fun, interactive experience that everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay wonderfully soft for up to 3 days. To keep them extra chewy, I add a slice of bread in the container—trust me, it works like magic.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. I either freeze the dough scoops on a tray before baking or freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag. When you want a treat, just thaw or bake from frozen with a minute or two extra in the oven.
Reheating
Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds to warm it up and get that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe back. Alternatively, warming in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes works great if you have a few cookies to reheat at once.
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter in this Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can, but I recommend reducing or skipping the added salt in the dough to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance.
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Why do my cookies spread too much when baking?
If your cookies spread too thin, your butter might be too melted or your dough too warm when baking. Try chilling the dough for a bit longer or scoop onto cold baking trays. Also, avoid over-mixing once the flour is added.
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Can I substitute chocolate chips with chunks or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chunks, nuts, dried fruits, or even butterscotch chips all work well. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain cookie texture and baking times.
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How do I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
Try using a plant-based butter substitute and swap the egg for a flax egg or applesauce. Keep in mind this might slightly change texture, but it’s still doable with some experimentation.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so dependable – no matter who’s baking or the occasion, these cookies turn out comforting and delicious every time. I love sharing them with friends and family, and honestly, they always bring out a smile. Give them a try, and I have no doubt they’ll become your go-to cookie recipe too. Happy baking, friend!
PrintSoft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
These Soft Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy and perfectly tender with a delightful balance of brown and white sugars, enhanced by vanilla and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. This simple recipe uses straightforward ingredients and a quick method, making it an ideal treat for cookie lovers looking for an easy, homemade classic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 13 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups plain / all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (bi carb soda)
Wet Ingredients
- 175g / 12 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 2 cm cubes (1.5 US sticks / 6 oz)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup caster sugar (US: granulated sugar)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, separated (US: semi sweet chocolate chips or chunks)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Trays: Preheat your oven to 180C / 350F (standard) or 160C / 320F for fan/convection ovens, and position the oven rack in the middle. Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Melt Butter: Place the cubed butter in a large heatproof bowl and microwave on high until almost fully melted—about 25 seconds for room temperature butter or 40 seconds for cold butter. Whisk until completely melted and smooth.
- Add Sugars and Whisk: Add the brown sugar and caster sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously for 15 seconds to combine and dissolve some sugar.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and whisk well for another 15 seconds until smooth.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until the flour is almost fully incorporated.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips to distribute evenly and finish incorporating the flour. The batter will be loose.
- Let Batter Rest: Allow the batter to stand for 5 minutes to firm slightly, making it easier to scoop.
- Form Cookie Mounds: For large cookies, scoop about 3 tablespoons (one level ice cream scoop or 1/4 cup) onto baking trays spaced 5 cm apart, making 13 cookies. For small cookies (26–30 cookies), use 1.5 tablespoons or half an ice cream scoop spaced 4 cm apart. Top each mound with the remaining chocolate chips for a pretty finish.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one tray at a time. Large cookies bake for 8 minutes, then rotate the tray and bake for 3 more minutes (11 minutes total). Small cookies bake for 6 minutes, then are turned and baked 3 additional minutes (9 minutes total). Look for edges that are just golden and tops that are pale golden and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking tray to finish cooking and set. They will lose their puffiness as they rest, leaving soft and chewy centers. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Microwaving butter makes the process quick and gives a chewier texture, but you can also melt it gently on the stovetop if preferred.
- Resting the batter helps it firm up for easier shaping and prevents spreading too much in the oven.
- Using two types of sugar adds complexity to flavor and moisture, brown sugar contributes softness while caster sugar provides crispness at the edges.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer, but watch carefully to prevent overbaking.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days keeps them fresh and soft. Add a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure.
