The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You'll Ever Need

Try our decadent chocolate chip cookie recipe or any of its variations. We think we've improved on the classic.

Updated December 8, 2023
chocolate chip cookies

There's only one thing that'll send you right back to your childhood with just a bite, and that's a chocolate chip cookie. Our gooey, rich chocolate chip cookie recipe is the perfect nostalgic treat. So clean out the cookie jar and bake up a batch of our heavenly chocolate chip cookies — there's a reason this classic has been a favorite since the 1930s.

Mouth-Watering Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Listen, we won't deny that Tollhouse or Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies work in a pinch. But they've got absolutely nothing on this homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ sticks butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
  2. Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt using a whisk to make sure it is thoroughly mixed.
  3. Using the paddle attachment of your mixer, mix the sugars together.
  4. Add the butter, then add the egg and yolk.
  5. Next, add the vanilla.
  6. Slowly add the flour mix to the sugar mix by adding ¼ cup of flour mix at a time and letting it mix in before adding another ¼ cup.
  7. Stop the mixer and add the chips. Mix them in by hand.
  8. Drop the cookie dough in tablespoon-sized balls on your cookie sheets. Place a sheet of parchment paper on the cookie sheet.
  9. Bake the cookies for 15 minutes.
Helpful Hack

Want richer cookies? Melt the butter before adding in your sugar. 

Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations

Our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe might be as close to perfection as possible, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for you to experiment. Try bold new ingredients and fun toppings. 

Turn your kitchen into a confectionary laboratory with these cookie variation ideas.

  • Brown the butter. Browned butter adds a toffee-like richness to this recipe, and it's so easy to do. Put the butter in a light-colored pan and heat it on medium, stirring. Continue heating and stirring until the butter turns golden brown, 5-8 minutes. 
  • Swap out chocolate chips for M&M's. Biting into a half-cracked shell of a warm M&M and tasting the chocolate as it pours into your mouth is divine. 
  • Add peanut butter or white chocolate chips to the mix. Not everyone is a huge fan of chocolate, and there are a ton of other chip options to choose from. 
  • Go a little nutty and add some nuts. From the standard peanut to macadamia or cashew, Mother Nature has a ton of nuts for you to try. 
  • Pop in a cup of maraschino cherries. Who needs fruitcake when you can have maraschino chocolate chip cookies instead? 
  • Switch up the batter for brownie mix. If you want an extra fudgy and chewy chocolate chip, you can use brownie mix instead of the regular batter. 
  • Add some espresso powder for a caffeine kick. Start your morning off with one hell of a boost by turning your chocolate chip cookies into rocket fuel. 
  • Top with some homemade frosting. If you're going for something sweet, you might as well make it sweet. And if you don't have time to make homemade frosting, you can always upgrade your canned frosting instead. 
  • Top with crushed candy canes for a festive twist. Up your Christmas cookie game by topping this delicious recipe with some crushed-up candy canes. 
  • Stir in toffee bits. About a half cup of toffee bits add rich flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.

Win Over the World With Your Cookies

Some people have casseroles, and others have pie, but we think chocolate chip cookies are the best dessert. So, bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies and share them with your loved ones. Just make sure you save a few for yourself! 

The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You'll Ever Need