Perfect Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of biting into a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. This classic recipe has been a favorite for generations, loved for its perfect balance of crisp edges, chewy centers, and melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because, these Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to delight.

The secret to their perfection lies in the brown sugar for chewiness, butter for richness, and a touch of vanilla for depth of flavor. Unlike overly sweet or cakey versions, these cookies stay soft in the middle while developing a slight crispness on the outside. Plus, we’ll share tips for variations, storage, and even how to make them extra gooey!

Ingredients:

(Makes about 24 cookies)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp salt (use fine sea salt for best flavor)

  • ½ tsp cornstarch (optional, for extra chewiness)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, softened (but not melted)

  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup (165g) packed light brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix-Ins:

  • 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of milk and dark chocolate)

  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

  1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

  3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined (do not overmix).

  2. Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

  1. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into 1.5-inch balls.

  2. Place the dough 2 inches apart on baking sheets (they will spread).

  3. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden but centers are still soft.

  4. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Variation

  • Chewier Cookies: Use all brown sugar and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

  • Crispier Cookies: Bake for 12-13 minutes and use all granulated sugar.

  • Gooey Center Cookies: Underbake by 1-2 minutes and let them set on the pan.

  • Brown Butter Version: Brown the butter first for a nutty, caramelized flavor.

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour.

  • Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Cooking Note:

  • Butter Temperature: Softened butter (not melted) ensures the right texture.

  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough makes cookies tough.

  • Cookie Size Matters: For uniform baking, keep dough balls the same size.

  • Baking Time: Cookies continue cooking on the hot tray, so pull them out when slightly underdone.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or vanilla ice cream for an ice cream sandwich.

  • Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for a comforting treat.

  • Crumble over vanilla yogurt or ice cream sundaes.

Tips:

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

  • Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls and freeze for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen (add 1-2 extra minutes).

  • Reviving Stale Cookies: Microwave for 10 seconds or place in a warm oven for 2 minutes.

  • Extra Chocolate: Press a few extra chips on top of cookies right after baking for a bakery-style look.

Final Thoughts

These Perfect Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat—simple, timeless, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you like them chewy, crispy, or loaded with chocolate, this recipe is foolproof and endlessly adaptable. Bake a batch today and enjoy the magic of homemade cookies!

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