Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate comfort food — soft in the center with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. They’re made with rich dark brown sugar for a deep, caramel flavor, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that takes them to the next level. Perfect for lunchbox treats, midnight snacks, or sharing at gatherings, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear quickly. The recipe is simple, the ingredients are pantry staples, and the flavor is anything but ordinary. Whether you bake them for yourself or someone you love, they’ll taste like a warm hug from the oven.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. cornstarch

• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, plus ½ cup for topping

• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 1–2 minutes).

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Add vanilla and mix.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low until fully combined.

6. Fold in 1½ cups of chocolate chips.

7. Scoop dough using 2 tablespoons per cookie and place on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

8. Press 5–6 extra chocolate chips onto the tops of each cookie.

9. Bake in batches for 10–12 minutes, until edges are crisp and centers are still soft.

10. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 220 kcal per cookie | Servings: 30 cookies

The Timeless Appeal of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Few treats in the world of baking evoke as much nostalgic joy and universal appeal as the classic chocolate chip cookie. Warm from the oven, with gooey chocolate melting into a soft, buttery center—this cookie is a staple in households, bakeries, lunchboxes, and sweet tooth daydreams everywhere.

While there are countless variations of this beloved treat, this specific chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe rises to the top for its texture, flavor, and overall simplicity. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a mood-lifter, a crowd-pleaser, and a delicious way to slow down and savor a bite of happiness.

A Brief History of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

The origin of the chocolate chip cookie dates back to the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, mixed broken pieces of Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate into cookie dough. Expecting the chocolate to melt completely into the dough, she was surprised to find it held its shape, giving birth to what we now know as the chocolate chip cookie.

Nestlé later struck a deal with Ruth, and the “Toll House Cookie” recipe began appearing on the back of every Nestlé chocolate chip bag. Since then, bakers have been putting their spin on this classic, tweaking texture, sweetness, and bake time to suit their tastes.

This particular version leans into everything modern bakers crave—chewiness, complexity, and the delightful balance of sweet and salty.

What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible?

At first glance, the ingredients might look familiar—but it’s the thoughtful ratios and techniques that make this chewy chocolate chip cookie one of the best you’ll ever bake. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Dark Brown Sugar: Using dark brown sugar, rather than light, enhances the cookie’s depth with a rich molasses flavor and contributes to the soft, chewy center. It holds more moisture and creates that slightly sticky bite we all love.
• Cornstarch: This humble pantry staple might surprise you, but adding a small amount of cornstarch results in an ultra-soft cookie texture. It acts as a tenderizer and keeps the cookies from becoming too crisp.
• Extra Chocolate Chips on Top: Pressing a few extra chocolate chips on the top of each dough ball before baking isn’t just for looks. It ensures every bite is packed with gooey, melted chocolate and gives the cookies that bakery-style finish.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt at the end heightens the flavor of the chocolate and adds a layer of sophistication to the cookie. It turns a classic into a gourmet experience.

Texture Goals: The Chewy Advantage

People often divide into two cookie camps: crispy or chewy. This recipe leans heavily toward the chewy side, and here’s why that’s a good thing:

Chewy cookies offer a satisfying mouthfeel, with a slight resistance as your teeth sink into them, followed by a melting richness. They stay fresher longer due to their higher moisture content and are less prone to drying out.

From a sensory standpoint, chewy cookies evoke a more comforting and indulgent experience. Combined with melted chocolate and a hint of salt, they hit every taste and texture note.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a party, a school bake sale, or just for a cozy night in, this recipe delivers. It’s scalable for large batches, and the dough can even be frozen for baking on demand—perfect for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.

These cookies also package beautifully for gift boxes, cookie exchanges, and holidays. Add a ribbon or a hand-written tag, and you have a heartfelt homemade present.

Customizing the Cookie to Your Taste

One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. While it’s already near-perfect, you can personalize it further:

• Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut for texture.
• Chocolate Variety: Use dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
• Stuffed Cookies: Wrap the dough around a caramel square or a mini peanut butter cup for a surprise center.
• Brown Butter Twist: Browning the butter beforehand adds a nutty richness and enhances the caramel flavor.

Baking Tips for Consistent Results

• Don’t skip the room temperature butter. It creams better with sugar, incorporating more air into the dough and giving the cookie lift.
• Spoon and level your flour. Too much flour will make the cookies dry and dense.
• Chill the dough (optional but recommended). If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour intensifies the flavor and reduces spreading.
• Rotate your trays. Halfway through baking, rotate the cookie sheet to ensure even baking, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Healthier Baking Swaps (Without Sacrificing Flavor)

Though a classic treat, this cookie can be made slightly healthier with simple tweaks:

• Substitute half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour for more fiber and a nuttier taste.
• Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
• Add chia seeds or ground flaxseed for a touch of nutrition without altering flavor.
• Reduce sugar slightly—the richness of the chocolate and vanilla means you can use 10–15% less sugar with minimal difference in taste.

Storage and Freezing Tips

These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.

To freeze, scoop dough balls onto a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, just add an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

The Emotional Connection of Cookies

There’s something uniquely powerful about baking and sharing cookies. It’s often the first recipe people learn to bake and one that sparks joy across generations. Chocolate chip cookies are associated with childhood, celebration, and comfort. They carry memories in every bite—from baking with a grandparent to late-night chats over warm cookies and milk.

Conclusion

In a world of gourmet desserts and elaborate pastries, the chocolate chip cookie remains refreshingly simple, familiar, and satisfying. This recipe captures all of that—and elevates it.

With its chewy texture, deep flavor, and gourmet finish, it offers both comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time. Plus, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it a go-to when the cookie craving strikes.