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Chocolate Cookie Recipe
This easy Chocolate Cookie Recipe yields chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treats studded with chocolate chips—your new go-to homemade dessert that’s as fun to bake as it is to share.
I still remember the first time I baked these chocolate cookies for my grandkids on a chilly November afternoon—warm vanilla and cocoa filled the kitchen, and honestly, the aroma alone felt like a hug. What makes this recipe unique is the perfect balance of buttery richness and cocoa depth, plus a dash of baking soda for that delightful lift. It’s a classic dessert that’s anything but ordinary: swap half the flour for whole wheat if you’d like a fiber boost, or stick with all-purpose for an ultra-soft center. Whether you serve them at holiday cookie exchanges or sneak one late at night, these homemade chocolate cookies never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cookie Recipe
- Ready in under an hour—mix, bake, munch!
- Soft center, crisp edge—no compromise.
- One-bowl mixing means fewer dishes and more fun.
- Uses pantry staples (flour, sugar, butter, eggs).
- Customizable with nuts, white chocolate, or mint.
- Perfect for bake sales, lunchboxes, or a midnight snack.
- Timeless sweet treat that brings everyone together.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cookie Recipe
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened (European-style butter like Kerrygold adds extra creaminess)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (this helps the dough bind evenly)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or try vanilla bean paste for flecks of vanilla)
- 2¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour (or swap 1½ cups for whole wheat flour)
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (I love Ghirardelli special dark)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1½ cups (255 g) semisweet chocolate chips (dark or milk, your call)
Directions for Chocolate Cookie Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so cookies release easily.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy—about 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. (Tip: soft butter is key for that smooth, dreamy dough.)
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla. You’ll see the batter lighten in color—that’s when you know it’s ready.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps avoid pesky lumps.
- Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in chocolate chips so every bite has pockets of melted goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in ½ cup chopped nuts, too.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. For uniform shapes, use a medium cookie scoop.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes: 10 minutes for soft, gooey centers; 12 minutes for a bit more structure. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the tops look slightly underbaked.
- Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes—they firm up beautifully—and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings & Timing for Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Makes about 24 medium cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes for less spread
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling)
Variations of Chocolate Cookie Recipe
- Double Chocolate Delight: Add an extra ¼ cup cocoa powder and swap half the chips for white chocolate chunks.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts for a satisfying bite.
- Mint Chocolate Magic: Stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and use dark chips for a cool twist.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend—same method, no wheat.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut oil or plant-based margarine, flax “eggs,” and dairy-free chips.
- Espresso Boost: Dissolve 1 teaspoon instant espresso in vanilla before mixing for a mocha note.
Storage & Reheating for Chocolate Cookie Recipe
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
• Freeze baked cookies, layered with parchment, for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cookies on the counter for about 15 minutes before digging in.
• For make-ahead baking: scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag; bake frozen at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
Notes on Chocolate Cookie Recipe
• Room-temperature ingredients blend faster and more evenly—trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes.
• Chilling dough tightens flavors and curbs spreading—especially on a warm morning.
• Brown sugar brings chewiness; granulated sugar helps edges crisp—find your perfect ratio.
• Never skip sifting cocoa powder; small lumps turn into bitter surprises.
• A pinch of espresso enhances the chocolate flavor without any coffee taste.
FAQs about Chocolate Cookie Recipe
-
Can I use salted butter?
Yes—just reduce added salt to ¼ teaspoon so they don’t turn overly salty. -
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Dough that’s too warm or over-creamed butter can cause extra spread; chill for 30 minutes and handle gently. -
How can I get chewier cookies?
Increase brown sugar by 2 tablespoons and pull them out at the 10-minute mark. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely—store in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze scoops for up to 3 months. -
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
You’ll end up with classic chocolate chip cookies; just reduce sugar by a tablespoon to balance sweetness. -
Why are my cookies dry?
Likely overbaking or overmixing; aim for 10 minutes and mix until ingredients are just combined. -
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or candies?
Yes! Up to ½ cup of extras—fold in at the end so the dough keeps its shape. -
My cookies are too flat—how do I fix that?
Try adding 1 tablespoon more flour or chilling dough longer to firm it up before baking.
Conclusion
These homemade chocolate cookies strike that dreamy balance of soft, chewy centers and crisp edges—plus they fit right into a busy schedule with minimal fuss. Give this Chocolate Cookie Recipe a whirl, and let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it; I love seeing your baking adventures!
Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so cookies release easily.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
- Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes—they firm up beautifully—and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
