Classic chewy chocolate chip cookies are known for their soft centers and crisp edges. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor using simple techniques.

Proper sugar ratios and baking time are essential for chewy cookies. Allowing the dough to rest helps enhance flavor and consistency.

These cookies bake evenly and maintain chewiness even after cooling, making them ideal for sharing or storing.

Classic chewy chocolate chip cookies remain one of the most beloved desserts because they strike the ideal balance between texture and flavor. A truly great chewy cookie should have crisp, lightly golden edges with a soft, tender center that stays moist long after baking. This recipe focuses on achieving that balance using straightforward ingredients and controlled baking techniques, making it reliable for both beginner and experienced bakers.

What makes classic chewy chocolate chip cookies stand out is the careful combination of sugars, fat, and moisture. Brown sugar plays a key role in creating chewiness, while proper butter temperature helps control spread. Small details, such as resting the dough and baking just until set, contribute to a cookie that remains soft even after cooling. These details ensure consistent results without requiring complicated steps or specialty tools.

Unlike thin or crunchy cookies, chewy chocolate chip cookies benefit from a slightly underbaked center that firms up naturally as the cookies cool. This approach preserves moisture and prevents dryness, which is especially important when baking cookies meant to be stored or shared. With proper technique, these cookies maintain their signature chew for days.

Because this recipe emphasizes texture control, it works well for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting cookies, or preparing make-ahead treats, classic chewy chocolate chip cookies deliver dependable results every time.

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

Butter alternative: If needed, unsalted plant-based butter can be used in place of dairy butter. Choose a baking-style variety for best structure and texture.
Flour adjustment: A small portion of all-purpose flour can be replaced with bread flour to increase chewiness without affecting flavor.
Sugar swap: While brown sugar is essential for chewiness, light or dark brown sugar may be used depending on preference. Dark brown sugar will produce a slightly richer flavor.
Egg substitution: For dietary needs, a flax egg may be used, though the cookies may be slightly softer and less structured.

Variations

Chocolate variety: Replace part of the chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate for deeper flavor or use milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie.
Nut addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture contrast without overwhelming the cookie.
Espresso chocolate chip cookies: Stir in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
Holiday version: Add a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg for seasonal warmth while keeping the classic base intact.

These substitutions and variations allow flexibility while preserving the core qualities that define classic chewy chocolate chip cookies.

Published by: Priscilla Michele

Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with melty chocolate chips in every bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy recipe delivers bakery-style cookies in under 30 minutes—crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for family desserts, bake sales, or a cozy weekend treat.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 22

Servings: 18 cookies

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup all purpose
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment Paper
Cookie scoop
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack
Measuring cups & spoons

Method

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cream the butter and sugars:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and light—about 1–2 minutes.
Add egg and vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Mix wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Add the chocolate chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Scoop the dough:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft.
Cool and enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps control spreading and promotes thicker, chewier cookies.
For even baking, allow cookie dough balls to come slightly back to cool room temperature before placing them in the oven.
Bake just until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone — the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cookies salty.

Classic chewy chocolate chip cookies are designed to stay soft and satisfying well beyond the day they’re baked. When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they retain their chewy centers while maintaining lightly crisp edges. Their ability to hold moisture makes them an excellent option for make-ahead baking, gifting, or preparing in batches for busy weeks.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze exceptionally well, making them convenient for future enjoyment. Freezing baked cookies allows you to enjoy fresh-tasting treats with minimal effort, while freezing dough portions provides flexibility for baking on demand. This versatility is one of the reasons chewy chocolate chip cookies remain a staple in home kitchens.

Beyond storage and convenience, the appeal of this recipe lies in its consistency. Each batch delivers familiar flavor and dependable texture without requiring advanced techniques. The dough comes together easily, bakes evenly, and produces cookies that remain soft even after cooling completely.

Whether served warm with a glass of milk or enjoyed later as a snack, classic chewy chocolate chip cookies continue to be a favorite for a reason. Their timeless flavor, reliable structure, and adaptability make this recipe one that bakers return to again and again.

If you’ve tried this classic chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leaving a comment and star rating helps other readers discover the recipe and decide if it’s the right fit for them. If you have questions, serving ideas, or your own variations to share, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps support the site and makes it possible to continue sharing dependable, classic chewy chocolate chip cookie recipes you can trust.

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