If you’ve been searching for The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ve finally landed in the right spot. These cookies are the ultimate treat: perfectly thick, irresistibly chewy in the middle, with golden, tender edges and pools of melty chocolate throughout. Each bite is a nostalgic trip back to childhood, yet they’re elevated enough to impress anyone you share them with. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a simple weeknight dessert, this recipe delivers bakery-style results with familiar, comforting flavors.

The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies so iconic is how simple the ingredient list is—each one plays an important role in creating rich flavor, a dreamy texture, and a picture-perfect cookie. Here’s what you’ll need, with tips on getting the most out of every component:

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Butter gives the cookies richness and that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Soften it fully for the creamiest dough and an even bake.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Packed brown sugar means extra moisture and chew, as well as deep caramelized notes that set these cookies apart.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a little lift and sweetness, ensuring perfectly balanced flavor.
Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder and boosts that soft, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Don’t skimp on vanilla! It rounds out all the flavors and gives these cookies their signature aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, flour provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): This secret ingredient keeps the cookies plush and thick, preventing them from spreading too much.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Guarantees lift and a beautiful texture—don’t swap this for baking powder.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness for that crave-worthy bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Go for high quality if you can! The chocolate should be the star of the show in every single cookie.

How to Make The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Let’s kick off on the right foot: preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Not only does parchment keep cookies from sticking, but it also helps them bake up evenly with golden bottoms and soft centers—exactly what we want for The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. It’s worth taking the time to mix until light and fluffy, usually about 2–3 minutes. This step introduces air for a soft, chewy texture and helps the sugars dissolve, filling your kitchen with that signature cookie aroma.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is ultra smooth and glossy. The egg gives structure, while the vanilla wraps the dough in warmth, setting the stage for cookie greatness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This distribution ensures every bite of The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies is equally delicious and prevents over-mixing, which is key to soft cookies.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. It’s ok if you see a few flour streaks—overworking the dough can make your cookies tough, and we want them pillowy and soft!

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Scrape down the sides of your bowl, then gently fold in those glorious semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step is personal—feel free to reserve a few chips for pressing on top right before baking, guaranteeing chocolate in every bite and that bakery look.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you’re after even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes first. This simple trick yields tall, bakery-style cookies every single time.

Step 8: Bake to Soft, Golden Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool, staying wonderfully soft. Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This patience pays off and helps them set beautifully.

How to Serve The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For that irresistible bakery finish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on your warm cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. This not only makes them Instagram-worthy, but also balances the richness of the chocolate. You could also drizzle with a little melted chocolate or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Few things pair better with The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies than a cold glass of milk. But why not try something jazzy? Serve them alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream, a piping hot cup of coffee, or even a fruity side like fresh strawberries for a fun flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch! Stack cookies tall and tie with rustic twine for a sweet gift, or serve them warm from the oven with tiny glasses of milk at a party. If you’re feeling playful, use these cookies as the “bread” in an ice cream sandwich—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days, though they rarely last that long! Adding a slice of soft bread in the container can help keep them extra moist and chewy.

Freezing

Freezing The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies is a lifesaver for future cravings. You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls; either way, place them in a single layer to avoid sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and bake straight from frozen with an added minute or two.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven or zap them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back a melt-in-your-mouth softness and makes the chocolate irresistibly gooey again.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough actually improves if you let it chill for a few hours or even overnight. This deepens the flavors and makes for extra thick, gooey cookies when you bake them up fresh.

Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Semi-sweet gives the perfect balance of sweet and rich, but you can swap in your favorites—try milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips, or a combination. Chopped chocolate adds irresistible pools of chocolate throughout The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What’s the secret to keeping cookies soft?

It’s all about not over-baking! Pull the cookies out when the centers still look a touch underdone, then let them finish setting up on the tray. The cornstarch in this recipe also works wonders for achieving that soft texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes, feel free to customize! Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toffee bits for extra crunch. Just keep total mix-ins to around 2 cups so the dough stays balanced.

Do I need to chill the dough every time?

You don’t have to, but chilling helps the cookies bake up thicker and prevents spread. If you’re short on time, bake right away—the result will still be among The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies you’ve ever had.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies from the oven and sharing them with people you care about. This recipe is foolproof, irresistibly soft, and always earns rave reviews. Give it a try—you’re only twenty-five minutes away from cookie bliss!

The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe