The Ultimate Classic Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Indulge in the nostalgic comfort of homemade thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies. Nothing truly compares to a warm, soft cookie, straight from the oven.

There’s an undeniable magic in a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. That warm, gooey center, the slightly crisp edges, and the unmistakable aroma filling your kitchen – it’s pure comfort and joy. While countless recipes for this beloved treat exist, this classic thick and chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe holds a profoundly special place in my heart, and for good reason. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished family tradition passed down through generations, evoking sweet memories of childhood kitchens and shared moments.

From the tender age of three, making these cookies became a weekly ritual in our home. My dad, a true connoisseur of all things chocolate, especially these cookies, loved them so much. This very recipe, I believe, is the one his own mother (my grandma) had perfected and then shared with him. At some point during his high school years, my grandma, perhaps weary from constant cookie requests, ‘retired’ from her baking duties, leaving my dad to master the art himself! This recipe quickly became his absolute favorite, a legacy he then passed on to me. As I grew older, around ten years old, I had the measurements and steps memorized, rarely needing to consult the worn recipe card. There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a dish that connects you so deeply to your family’s culinary history.

While a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven is hard to beat, the only thing I might love more is a warm Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie – a delightful twist for those who enjoy the classic combination. Sometimes, we’d even get a little adventurous with this very recipe, pressing a few colorful M&M’s onto the tops of the dough balls before baking, adding an extra pop of fun and color. And speaking of variations, if you’re as big a fan of chocolate and other treats as I am, you might adore my Double Chocolate M&M Cookies for a truly decadent experience.

The Secret to Perfectly Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

What makes these chocolate chip cookies so consistently thick, delightfully soft, and wonderfully chewy? The key ingredient, often overlooked in modern recipes, is shortening. Many popular recipes call for all butter, and while butter delivers an undeniable richness and flavor, using a combination of half butter and half shortening is genuinely transformative for achieving that coveted bakery-style texture. Butter provides that essential golden, buttery taste that we all love, but shortening, with its higher melting point, helps the cookies spread less during baking, resulting in a much thicker profile. It also contributes to an incredibly soft crumb that remains tender and moist for days.

The science behind this combination is quite fascinating: shortening is 100% fat, whereas butter contains about 20% water. As the water in butter evaporates during baking, it can create steam and contribute to a crispier cookie. Shortening, lacking water, prevents this effect, ensuring a more pillowy and soft texture throughout. So, if you’re aiming for that perfect thick and chewy cookie, don’t skip this crucial ingredient. It’s the secret weapon for an exceptional batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies that will impress everyone.

Effortless Freezing: Always Have Fresh Cookies on Hand

For many years during my childhood, we would meticulously roll this chocolate chip cookie dough into tube shapes, wrap them tightly, and then freeze them. This ingenious method allowed us to simply slice off a couple of cookies at a time whenever a craving struck, ensuring warm, fresh-baked treats were always just minutes away. While that technique certainly works well, I’ve since discovered an even simpler and more efficient trick: I scoop individual balls of dough directly onto a baking sheet, freeze them until they are completely solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This eliminates the step of having to slice frozen dough, which can sometimes be tricky.

Now, whether it’s a quiet Tuesday evening and I desire a single warm cookie, or a last-minute gathering calls for a quick dessert, I can simply pull out a few frozen dough balls, pop them directly into the oven, and have gourmet-quality cookies with minimal effort. This technique is particularly invaluable around the holidays or for unexpected guests. Imagine having a ready-to-bake stash of Biscoff Chocolate Chip Cookies or these classic chocolate chip ones, perfect for spontaneous baking or thoughtful homemade gifts!

Baking Tips for the Perfect Batch of Cookies

Achieving the perfect batch of thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies isn’t just about following the recipe; a few simple techniques can make all the difference:

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Properly Cream Fats and Sugars: Creaming the butter, shortening, and both sugars together until light and fluffy is crucial. This step incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes significantly to the cookies’ texture and helps them rise beautifully. Aim for about 2 minutes of creaming.
• Use Good Quality Chocolate Chips: The type of chocolate you choose truly matters for flavor. Invest in good quality semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips for the best possible taste. For an even more artisanal touch, you can chop up your favorite chocolate bar into chunks for delicious, melty pools of chocolate throughout the cookies.
• Avoid Overbaking: This is perhaps the most important tip for ensuring chewy cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set and lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft and slightly underdone. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet as they cool, achieving that perfect tender interior.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly required for this specific recipe, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can deepen the flavors and further prevent excessive spreading, leading to an even thicker, chewier cookie.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures easy removal of the cookies, prevents sticking, and helps with more consistent baking.
• Cooling Time: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up and prevents them from falling apart.

These classic chocolate chip cookies are wonderful on their own, but they’re truly elevated when paired with a cold glass of milk. For an extra indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two warm cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich, or crumble them over your favorite dessert. They also make an excellent base for other dessert creations, like these amazing S’mores Bars which are always a hit at any gathering, or these rich Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Bars.

More Delightful Cookie Recipes to Try

If these classic chocolate chip cookies have ignited your passion for baking, here are more irresistible cookie recipes to add to your repertoire. Each one offers a unique flavor and texture profile, perfect for any occasion:

• No Bake Cookies: Quick and easy, perfect when you need a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
• Star Crunch Cookies: A nostalgic favorite, combining crispy rice, caramel, and chocolate.
• Avalanche Cookies: Another fantastic no-bake option with peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate.
• Bakery Sugar Cookies: Soft, tender, and perfect for decorating for any holiday or celebration.
• Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: The ultimate indulgence, combining two beloved cookies into one.
• M&M Cookies: Colorful and fun, a family-friendly favorite for all ages.
• Texas Sheet Cake Cookies: All the flavor of a classic Texas Sheet Cake in a convenient cookie form.

★★★★☆ 4.67 from 6 votes

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

By Erin Sellin

These classic thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a beloved family recipe, perfect for any occasion. Nothing beats a warm cookie straight out of the oven!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yields: 36 cookies

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12 oz) package chocolate chips (semi-sweet or your preference)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or leaving them ungreased.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract and then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until thoroughly combined.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
6. Drop rounded spoonfuls (or use a cookie scoop) of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and set, but the centers still appear slightly soft. This ensures a chewy interior.
8. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

• Serving: 1 cookie (out of 36)
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 6mg
• Sodium: 123mg
• Sugar: 8g

Additional Information

• Author: Erin Sellin
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 36 cookies
• Calories: 110 kcal per serving
• Keyword: chocolate chip cookies, classic cookies, chewy cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookies, dessert

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