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The Ultimate Soft, Chewy, Bakery-Style Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Close-up of three homemade chocolate chip cookies stacked, with the top one broken open revealing molten, gooey chocolate centers.

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Follow this foolproof recipe to create thick, bakery-style chocolate chip cookies with perfectly gooey centers and slightly crispy edges. This is the best homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe for reliable, craveable results.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a thicker cookie.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand.
  7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For thicker cookies, slightly mound the dough.
  8. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes. The edges should look set and golden brown, but the centers should still appear slightly soft and underbaked.
  9. Remove the sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps set the gooey center.

Notes

  • For the best chewy texture, use slightly more brown sugar than white sugar. The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture.
  • For bakery-style thickness, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Cold dough spreads less.
  • If you want crispy edges, slightly flatten the dough balls before baking.
  • Use a mix of chocolate chips and chopped chocolate chunks for varied melting textures.

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