Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – The Perfect Treat

There’s nothing quite like a batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. With the perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet chocolate, this recipe delivers classic cookies that everyone will love.
Chilling the dough enhances the flavor and creates an even better texture, but if you’re short on time, you can bake them right away. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, an after-school snack, or just because, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why This Recipe Works
Perfectly soft and chewy texture – The combination of cornstarch and brown sugar creates a tender, chewy cookie with just the right amount of crispness on the edges.
Rich buttery flavor – Using softened butter ensures a smooth, rich dough that blends perfectly with the sugars.
Loaded with chocolate chips – Every bite is packed with melty, chocolatey goodness.
Customizable – Use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate chips to suit your preference.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a soft texture.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine and Add Chocolate Chips
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cookies.
Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the best flavor and texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 48 hours. This step allows the ingredients to meld together and prevents excessive spreading during baking. If you’re short on time, you can bake the cookies immediately.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each dough ball for a bakery-style look.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked. This helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage & Freezing Tips
Room Temperature
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Store baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature.
Freezing Cookie Dough
For fresh cookies anytime, scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Variations
Use different chocolates – Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate.
Add mix-ins – Stir in chopped nuts, toffee bits, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Make them extra gooey – Press a few chunks of chocolate into the cookies right after baking for an extra melty finish.
Brown butter version – Try browning the butter before mixing for a deep, nutty flavor.
Final Thoughts
These soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness, buttery richness, and melty chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a simple treat, they’re guaranteed to be a favorite.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, homemade cookie fresh from the oven!
Short Version
Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies
These chocolate chip cookies are perfectly soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips! Chilling the dough enhances the flavor, but if you can’t wait, you can bake them right away.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Combine & Add Chocolate Chips: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): You can bake the cookies immediately or chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 48 hours) for even better texture and flavor.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 Minutes: The edges should be barely golden, and the centers will look slightly underbaked—this keeps them soft and chewy.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before eating.
These cookies are irresistibly soft, buttery, and filled with melty chocolate goodness!