Perfect Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfect Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. These cookies are simple to make and have a rich, buttery flavor with lots of chocolate chips. You can make them with regular melted butter or take it up a notch with browned butter for an extra nutty taste.

Why Make This Recipe

These cookies are quick to whip up and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just because, these cookies will always be a hit. They have a soft, chewy center with slightly crispy edges, and they’re packed with chocolate chips.

How to Make Perfect Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
10 tablespoons (140g) unsalted butter
3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 tsp espresso powder, optional
1 ¾ cups (226g) semisweet chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt, optional for sprinkling over baked cookies

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Melt the butter or make brown butter (optional). For brown butter, melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat, swirling continuously until it turns light brown and smells nutty. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and melted or browned butter. Whisk in espresso powder (if using).
Using a large spatula, add the dry ingredients in three parts, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in most of the chocolate chips, saving a few for topping.
Roll 1 ½ tablespoons of dough into balls or use a medium cookie scoop. Place on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
Press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of each dough ball.
Bake, rotating the sheet once, until edges are golden but centers are light, 12-16 minutes.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving, if desired.

How to Serve Perfect Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own but even better with a glass of milk. They also make a great addition to ice cream sandwiches.

How to Store Perfect Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them later.

Tips to Make Perfect Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor, but regular melted butter works just fine if you’re short on time.
Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
For extra gooey cookies, slightly underbake them.

Variation

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch.
Mix in a combination of chocolate chips and chunks for a varied texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, but reduce the added salt by half.

Q: What can I use instead of espresso powder? A: You can omit it or use instant coffee granules.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, roll the dough into balls and freeze. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.