Name: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons hot water; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 71 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of baking cookies that perfectly balance crisp edges with a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth center, then this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that—a classic treat loaded with rich semisweet chocolate chips and a touch of crunchy walnuts. Whether you are making them for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or just because you deserve a delicious homemade indulgence, these cookies will quickly become your go-to favorite, bursting with warmth and comforting sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a grey baking tray filled with twelve round, flat cookies arranged in a loose 4 by 3 pattern on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is golden brown with a slightly darker center scattered with small dark chocolate pieces and topped with small white flakes that look like sea salt. The cookies have a slightly uneven edge and a soft, smooth texture. In the background, there is a large green pot with a lid on a stove with black burners. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating exceptional cookies starts with simple, quality ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each component plays an essential role that enhances the overall flavor, texture, and aroma, making your baking experience a delight from start to finish.

1 cup butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that lends to the cookie’s delightful chewiness.
1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp edges once baked.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone for that chewy texture.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add tenderness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors with a fragrant warmth.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies their airy and tender bite.
2 teaspoons hot water: Activates the baking soda for proper rise and texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds everything together and defines the cookie’s density.
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient delivering ooey-gooey bursts of chocolate bliss.
1 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your butter is softened to room temperature and your eggs are ready to go—room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter, ensuring every cookie turns out perfect.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with the white and brown sugars until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is the foundation for those irresistibly tender cookies with balanced sweetness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in vanilla extract — this little addition packs in that signature warm, sweet aroma you associate with classic chocolate chip cookies.

Step 4: Activate Baking Soda and Mix Batter

Dissolve the baking soda in hot water—this helps it activate quickly—and add it to your batter along with the salt for flavor balance. Mix until combined, preparing for the flour to be folded in.

Step 5: Stir in Flour, Chocolate Chips, and Walnuts

Now fold in the all-purpose flour gradually, then mix in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. You want a soft dough that holds together but isn’t too stiff, ready to be shaped into cookies.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough about two inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. This spacing helps them spread nicely without merging into one another. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool briefly on the baking sheets to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the centers to finish their chewy perfection while the edges remain crisp.

How to Serve Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Six golden brown chocolate chip cookies arranged on a white baking tray lined with white parchment paper. Each cookie is round and slightly raised with visible cracks on the surface showing a soft texture inside. Dark brown chocolate chips are scattered on top and slightly melted into the cookie dough. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are brilliant on their own, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to enhance the chocolate’s richness. Or drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish that amps up the decadence.

Side Dishes

A classic glass of cold milk pairs perfectly with each bite, cutting through the sweetness and warming your soul. For adults, coffee or a creamy latte creates a lovely balance that turns cookie time into a special ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, sandwich the cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create homemade ice cream sandwiches. Or serve them chopped over a warm brownie sundae, adding delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies tasting fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. A slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture and softness for up to a week.

Freezing

Cookies freeze wonderfully. Arrange baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready for a quick thaw whenever cravings hit.

Reheating

Warm frozen or stored cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or toss them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 5 minutes. This restores that fresh-baked warmth and revives the chewy, melty texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts make delightful swaps. Just chop them roughly and toss them in with the chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.

What if I don’t have baking soda? Can I use baking powder?

Baking soda and baking powder are not the same, so substituting baking powder will change the texture. Baking soda contributes to the perfect spread and chewiness, so it’s best to stick with it for this recipe.

How do I make the cookies more chewy instead of crispy?

Use more brown sugar than white sugar and avoid overbaking. Taking them out right when the edges turn golden but the centers look slightly underdone ensures chewy perfection.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can! Replace butter with vegan margarine and eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers. The texture might shift slightly, but you’ll still get delicious cookies.

Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?

Butter that is too warm or too much sugar can cause excessive spreading. Try chilling your dough before baking and measure ingredients carefully to maintain the right structure.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of cookies that you know will delight every single bite. With the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in your arsenal, you have a foolproof way to create warm, comforting memories for yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these treats. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the simple joy of homemade cookie bliss—you won’t regret a single moment spent baking these!