Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

 There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked  chocolate chip cookies filling your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This classic recipe results in cookies that are perfectly chewy in the center, with crispy edges and an abundance of semisweet chocolate chips that melt in your mouth.

This recipe is simple yet delivers perfectly baked cookies every time. Packed with rich butter, a perfect blend of sugars, and crunchy walnuts, this cookie recipe is sure to become your new go-to for all cookie lovers.

Why This Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Is the Best

There are countless chocolate chip cookie recipes out there, but what sets this one apart from the rest is the balance of soft and chewy texture with a slight crispness around the edges. 

The combination of brown sugar and white sugar provides the ideal sweetness, while the addition of baking soda dissolved in hot water gives these cookies the perfect rise.

The chocolate chips provide bursts of rich, melty chocolate in every bite, while the chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor. This recipe has been crafted to deliver the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience, whether you prefer soft, chewy cookies or ones with a bit more crispness.

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

To create these mouth-watering chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

The butter is key to the rich flavor and texture of these cookies. Make sure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

1 cup white sugar

This sugar helps create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.

1 cup packed brown sugar

Brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the cookies, contributing to their chewiness.

2 eggs

Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the cookies.

3 cups all-purpose flour

Flour is the base for the cookie dough. The right amount ensures a perfect texture.

1 teaspoon baking soda

Baking soda is essential for the cookies to rise and spread in the oven, creating that desirable chewy texture.

2 teaspoons hot water

Dissolving the baking soda in hot water helps activate it, ensuring the cookies rise properly.

1/2 teaspoon salt

A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the flavors.

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Semisweet chocolate chips offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness in every bite.

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If you prefer a nut-free cookie, feel free to skip them.

Directions for Making the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking cookies, ensuring they are evenly baked with slightly crispy edges.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to  cream the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is important for achieving a light, airy texture in the cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Beat the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will infuse your cookies with a delightful aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Dissolve Baking Soda in Hot Water

In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water. This step helps activate the baking soda, making your cookies rise properly and get that perfect chewy texture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the baking soda-water mixture and salt into the batter, stirring well to combine. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour in batches, mixing until fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Stir in the semisweet  chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using). Make sure the chocolate chips and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Scoop the dough into large spoonfuls or use a cookie scoop and drop the dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake. If you prefer larger cookies, you can roll the dough into balls.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking to ensure they don’t overcook. For a softer cookie, remove them a little earlier when they are just lightly golden on the edges.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps the cookies firm up without breaking. Once cooled, you can enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best results, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This will allow them to blend more easily with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother cookie dough.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing the dough can cause the cookies to be tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are incorporated to maintain the desired texture.

Chill the Dough for Extra Thick Cookies

If you want extra-thick cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Experiment with Different Types of Chocolate

While semisweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.

Store in an Airtight Container

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Why These Are the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. The rich  buttery flavor, combined with the right amount of sweetness from the white and brown sugars, makes every bite irresistible.

The inclusion of chocolate chips and walnuts provides a delicious contrast of flavors and textures, ensuring that each cookie is a delightful treat. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or enjoying them on your own, these cookies are bound to be a hit