The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are THE BEST soft chocolate chip cookies! Made without the hassle of chilling, these ultra-thick, soft cookies are perfect for any occasion – from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. With a rich buttery flavor and gooey chocolate chips, they stand out with their irresistible softness. Get ready to enjoy a classic treat that brings joy with each bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With no chilling required, you can whip up these cookies in just 20 minutes!
• Perfectly Soft: The secret lies in not overbaking them. These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the types of chocolate chips or even add nuts for extra texture.
• Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box and share the love with friends and family.
• Long-lasting Freshness: Store them in an airtight container, and they stay soft for days or you can freeze them for later.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need to make these delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric beaters
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric beaters: These tools make creaming the butter and sugars easy, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time you bake.
• Cookie sheet: A good quality cookie sheet helps achieve even baking, giving you perfectly cooked cookies.

Ingredients

These are THE BEST soft chocolate chip cookies! No chilling required. Just ultra thick, soft, classic chocolate chip cookies!

For the Dough

• 8 tablespoons of salted butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar (I like to use raw cane sugar with a coarser texture)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (6.75 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (but I always add a little extra)
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips (I use a combination of chocolate chips and chocolate chunks)

How to Make The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Microwave the butter for about 40 seconds until it is just barely melted. It should be warm but not hot.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or electric beaters:
1. Beat the melted butter with both sugars until creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and egg; mix on low speed until just incorporated (about 10-15 seconds).

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt:
1. Mix until crumbles form.
2. Use your hands to press the crumbles together into a dough. It should form one large ball that is easy to handle.

Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Add the chocolate chips:
1. Use your hands to incorporate them evenly into the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into 12 large balls (or 9 for HUGELY awesome cookies):
1. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 9-11 minutes until puffy, dry, and just barely golden.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let them cool on the pan for about 30 minutes:
– They will sink down into dense, buttery, soft cookies that are simply irresistible!

How to Serve The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some delightful ways to serve The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic combination! The creamy richness of milk complements the sweet and buttery flavors of the cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a deliciously indulgent treat. Try vanilla or chocolate fudge for a delightful contrast!

Warm with Whipped Cream

• Serve the cookies warm and top them with freshly whipped cream. This adds a fluffy texture that enhances the cookie experience.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top elevates these cookies to another level of decadence. It’s a sweet twist that will impress your guests!

As Party Favors

• Package several cookies in cute bags tied with ribbons. This makes for an adorable and tasty party favor that your guests will love.

Enjoy Them Plain

• Sometimes simplicity is key! These cookies are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed fresh from the oven without any extras.

Pin this!

How to Perfect The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making the perfect soft chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve cookie perfection every time.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps to create a creamy mixture when combined with sugars, leading to better texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft results.
• Scoop evenly: Use a measuring cup or cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes, promoting even baking.
• Underbake slightly: Remove the cookies when they look slightly underdone; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Let them cool properly: Allowing your cookies to cool on the pan helps them firm up while maintaining softness.
• Store correctly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda, which provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip pieces of fruit or even broken cookie pieces into warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat.

4. Coffee or Espresso
   The rich flavors of coffee pair wonderfully with chocolate chip cookies, making it an ideal beverage choice.

5. Milkshakes
   A thick milkshake can be a fun complement—try flavors like chocolate or vanilla to match the cookies!

6. Pudding Cups
   Individual cups of chocolate pudding add a creamy element that goes hand-in-hand with chocolate chip goodness.

7. Nut Mix
   A bowl of mixed nuts offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cookies while providing additional nutrients.

8. Ice Cream Cones
   Offer scoops of ice cream in cones alongside your cookies, allowing guests to create custom desserts!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much after adding the flour can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy cookies.
• Skipping the measuring – Not measuring ingredients accurately can throw off the whole recipe. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overbaking the cookies – Keeping them in the oven too long will create dry cookies. Remove them when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the pan.
• Not letting them cool – Cooling is essential for achieving the right texture. Allow cookies to sit on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before transferring.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.

Reheating The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies different?

The secret lies in using melted butter and precise baking times, creating thick and soft cookies that stay fresh longer.

Can I customize The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips based on your preferences.

How do I achieve soft cookies every time?

To ensure softness, avoid overbaking and let them cool properly. Removing them from the oven while still puffy is key!

Can I use alternative flours for this cookie recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with almond flour or whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

These The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, this recipe delivers every time. Enjoy these treats fresh from the oven or save some for later; they remain soft and delightful!