Name: Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all‑purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups semi‑sweet chocolate chips

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These soft, chewy, and irresistibly gooey chocolate chip cookies are everything I crave in a homemade treat. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, they come out perfectly golden on the edges with soft centers that practically melt in my mouth. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, these cookies fit any occasion. Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simplicity with indulgence. The buttery dough, sweet brown sugar, and bursts of chocolate chips create that classic cookie flavor I always go back to. It’s also incredibly versatile—I can tweak it to match my mood or pantry, making it a staple I come back to again and again. These cookies also store well, so I can enjoy them warm or save them for later (if there are any left!).

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions

I preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set it aside.
In a large bowl, I cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy—about two minutes.
I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually, I incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
I fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly spread throughout the dough.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, I drop spoonfuls of dough about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
I bake them for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
After baking, I let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and another 10–12 minutes to bake, totaling around 27 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I like switching things up depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use dark or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. I’ve also added chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture. For thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking gives great results.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for up to a week. When I want that gooey texture again, I pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds—it tastes like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

How do I keep my cookies soft after baking?

I make sure not to overbake them and store them in an airtight container. A slice of bread in the container can also help maintain moisture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, I freeze individual scoops of cookie dough on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Can I use salted butter?

If I use salted butter, I usually reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens when the butter is too soft or melted. Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but they still turn out delicious.

Conclusion

These chocolate chip cookies are everything I want in a classic dessert—soft, chewy, full of rich chocolate flavor, and incredibly easy to make. I love how adaptable they are, and they never fail to satisfy my sweet tooth. Whether I’m baking for guests or just myself, these cookies are always a win.