Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for any cookie lover. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just a sweet indulgence after a long day, this recipe will have you baking like a pro. They are thick, soft, and perfectly chewy, making them an irresistible option that everyone will enjoy. The balance of flavors and textures makes these cookies stand out, ensuring they become your go-to recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Follow: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfectly Chewy: Enjoy the delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or swap chocolate types to suit your taste.
• Great for Sharing: With 38 servings, these cookies are ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Store Well: These cookies maintain their softness and flavor even days after baking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the best Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoon)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars quick and easy.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform size for even baking.
• Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.

Ingredients

These chocolate chip cookies are extra soft, thick, and chewy. This is my FAVORITE recipe for chocolate chips cookies, and they turn out perfect every time!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 and 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Chips

• 1 12-ounce package (2 cups; 340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer:
1. Cream the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined.
2. Mix in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully combined. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then add chocolate chips on low speed until fully incorporated into the cookie dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough tightly and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Once the dough is almost chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Remove cookie dough from refrigerator:
1. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop balls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets.
2. Leave space between each ball of dough.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown while tops are set. Remove from oven:
1. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

With this simple guide, you’ll create deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies that everyone will love!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies is an art that can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enjoy these cookies to the fullest.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk is classic. The creaminess of the milk complements the richness of the cookies perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serving warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast. The cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm cookie for a decadent treat.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzling melted chocolate over your cookies adds an extra layer of indulgence. It enhances both flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Berries

• Accompanying your cookies with fresh strawberries or raspberries offers a refreshing balance. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of the cookies.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Create a cookie sandwich by placing two cookies together with frosting or Nutella in between. This makes for an extra special treat that’s fun to eat.

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How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture for soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies involves some key techniques. Here are useful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling cookie dough for at least two hours helps prevent spreading, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps in creating a smooth batter, which contributes to the cookie’s softness.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten formation, which keeps the cookies tender.
• Check Baking Time: Baking until edges are lightly golden ensures that your cookies stay soft in the middle while being cooked through.
• Store Properly: Keeping your baked cookies in an airtight container keeps them moist and chewy longer.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

While soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with tasty side dishes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of chocolate chip cookies.
2. Chocolate Milkshake – A thick, creamy shake that adds another layer of chocolatey goodness.
3. Fruit Salad – A light option that provides freshness and balances out the sweetness.
4. Espresso – The bold flavor of espresso pairs beautifully, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers.
5. Hot Cocoa – This warm drink is perfect for dipping your cookies or enjoying alongside them during colder months.
6. Cheese Platter – Savory cheese contrasts nicely with sweet cookies, creating a unique flavor combination.
7. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling caramel over each cookie adds another dimension of sweetness and richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cookie rather than a soft texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the scoop and level method to avoid packing in too much flour. This ensures your cookies stay soft and chewy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor and texture. Don’t rush this part; it helps achieve that perfect chewiness.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing activates gluten, leading to a less desirable texture.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. Baking at too high a temperature can cause cookies to spread too quickly or burn.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1 minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies.

How do I make my chocolate chip cookies softer?

To make your chocolate chip cookies softer, ensure you use enough butter and don’t overbake them. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, using dark brown sugar will give your soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies a richer flavor. It will also enhance moisture due to its higher molasses content.

How can I customize my soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies?

You can customize these cookies by adding nuts, using different types of chocolate chips, or incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

What if my cookie dough seems too dry?

If your cookie dough seems dry, add a little milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. This ensures they remain soft after baking.

Final Thoughts

These soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are irresistibly delicious and adaptable. You can easily customize them with various mix-ins or flavors. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how simple it is to create such delightful treats!