If you’re on the lookout for a truly delightful treat that brings together the best of two cookie worlds, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tender sugar cookie texture studded with rich, melty chocolate chips in every bite. They bring the fun of classic sugar cookies and the indulgence of chocolate chip cookies together in a way that feels both familiar and irresistibly new. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a nostalgic homemade cookie fix, this recipe will become one of your absolute favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect batch of Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies. From the fluffy richness of butter to the sweet pop of chocolate chips, every element works in harmony to deliver flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden hue.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and tenderness to your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, chewy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and moisture, essential for rich flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crispy edges.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Infuses warmth and a slight caramel undertone for depth.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor, giving warmth and aroma.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bursts of melty chocolate make every bite irresistible.
- Optional: ½ cup sprinkles: A fun way to add color and extra crunch if you like your cookies with a playful twist.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats so your cookies don’t stick and come off perfectly every time. This simple prep step ensures easy cleanup and flawless baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients will provide the perfect base for your cookie dough consistency and subtle lift, so don’t skip this important step.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This is where the magic of that melt-in-your-mouth texture begins — good creaming means fluffy, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Next, add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures even incorporation for a rich, flavorful dough that bakes with a tender crumb.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here—you want the dough to be homogenous without toughening the cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly so that every cookie will have chocolatey goodness in every bite. It’s the best part and the heart of this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This gives them room to spread and develop their irresistible texture.
Step 8: Optional Sugar or Sprinkles Coating
If you want your cookies to have an extra sparkle or crunch, roll each dough ball lightly in sugar or colorful sprinkles before baking. This adds a charming touch that makes these cookies extra festive and fun.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This timing is key for that soft-yet-chewy cookie everyone loves.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them finish setting up so you can enjoy perfect texture and flavor with every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little sea salt on top just after baking to contrast the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor. A light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can also turn these cookies into an elegant, irresistible treat.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly comforting and indulgent experience. Their sweetness and texture meld beautifully with creamy and warm beverages or desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with a layer of frosting or Nutella in between for memorable cookie sandwiches. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and roll in chopped nuts or sprinkles for a festive look. These little touches turn everyday cookies into special occasion delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to one week. If you want to maintain that just-baked freshness, adding a slice of bread in the container can help retain moisture wonderfully.
Freezing
If you want to save some dough for later, freeze the shaped cookie balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When you’re ready for fresh cookies, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This revives that freshly baked softness and melted chocolate effect like magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine in this recipe?
While you technically can, butter gives the best flavor and texture in this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe. Margarine often has more water content, which can change the cookies’ consistency and taste.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Too much butter or too low of a flour amount can cause spreading. Make sure to measure ingredients carefully and chill your dough if you find they are spreading excessively.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer, slightly more intense chocolate flavor, which can be a delicious twist on the original recipe.
How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The texture and flavor might vary slightly but still delicious.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will add a lovely crunch and complement the chocolate chips nicely.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe, it’s going to be a staple in your cookie lineup. It’s easy, fun, and yields those perfect cookies that balance soft and chewy with melty pockets of chocolate. So grab your mixing bowl, invite some friends or family, and start baking those happiness-filled bites today!
Print
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies are chewy, buttery, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and just the right amount of sweetness, they offer a delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a perfect homemade dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Mix-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ½ cup sprinkles (for added texture and color)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to make a homogenous batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for a balanced chocolate flavor in each bite.
- Shape Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion the dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Optional Decoration: For added sweetness and color, roll each dough ball in sugar or sprinkles before baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies have lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and avoid sogginess.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let cool on the baking sheet before transferring.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to preference.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
- Sprinkles are optional but add fun color and extra texture.
