Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe You’ll Bake Again and Again

There’s something comforting about soft chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. That perfect balance of chewy center, melty chocolate, and golden edges makes them a favorite for all ages. If you’ve been looking for a cookie that stays soft for days and tastes even better with every bite, this step-by-step recipe will become your go-to.

Soft chocolate chip cookies are easy to make with a few pantry staples. With the right ingredients and method, you can create bakery-style cookies right in your kitchen, no fancy tools needed.

Why Soft Cookies Are Everyone’s Favorite

Soft cookies have a rich, buttery texture with just the right amount of chewiness. Unlike crispy or crunchy versions, soft chocolate chip cookies melt in your mouth and stay moist even a day or two after baking.

What makes them soft? The secret lies in using more brown sugar than white sugar, proper creaming of the butter and sugars, and just the right amount of baking time. A slightly underbaked center ensures the cookies stay chewy and not dry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, but it’s important to use the right measurements and follow the steps carefully for the best results.

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk (extra moisture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins:

• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your cookies soft, thick, and perfectly sweet every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats for even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps in the dough later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the dough, which helps with texture.

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl halfway through mixing.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and the extra yolk, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or with a spatula until a thick dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture soft.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re adding nuts, this is the time to mix those in as well.

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 8: Shape and Bake

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place on the baking tray. Leave about 2 inches of space between each one. Slightly flatten the tops with your hand or spoon.

Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should look set but the centers should still look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps them from breaking and helps the texture settle.

Tips for Perfectly Soft Cookies

• Use room temperature butter for even mixing.
• Don’t skip the extra egg yolk, it adds moisture.
• Slightly underbake the cookies for the perfect chew.
• Store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep them soft for days.

How to Store and Reheat

Store the cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of white bread in the container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread.

You can also freeze the dough balls for later use. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Try

• Use dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor.
• Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate and add dried cranberries.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist.
• Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking for contrast.

Bake Once, Crave Forever

Soft chocolate chip cookies never go out of style. With a chewy bite, rich flavor, and comforting aroma, they bring joy with every batch. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you love cookies, this recipe delivers the soft texture and balanced sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.