30-Minute Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
These traditional chocolate chip cookies deliver the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers that make them irresistible. The secret lies in creaming the butter and sugars until incredibly fluffy, creating cookies with exceptional texture and rich flavor. Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and enhanced with vanilla and sea salt, these cookies are ideal for family gatherings, bake sales, or any time you crave a homemade treat. The recipe produces consistently excellent results with a foolproof technique that ensures bakery-quality cookies every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, at room temperatureunsalted butter + 1/4 tsp salt1:1moderate
Use unsalted butter and add extra salt to control sodium
Full guide → - ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chipsdark chocolate chips1:1neutral
high
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until very fluffy, about 5 minutes on medium speed
- 3
Add eggs and vanilla, beat for 2 minutes until well combined
- 4
Mix in salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour until fully incorporated
- 5
Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout thick dough
- 6
Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet using cookie scoop
- 7
Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden brown
- 8
Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removing from oven
- 9
Transfer cookies on parchment to cool surface and cool for at least 3 minutes before serving
Tips
Ensure butter is truly at room temperature for proper creaming - it should give slightly when pressed but not be melted
Don't skip the resting time on the baking sheet after removing from oven, as this prevents cookies from breaking apart
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking results
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months
Best served warm or at room temperature within first day of baking
Common Mistakes
Don't undermix the butter and sugars - insufficient creaming leads to dense cookies
Avoid overbaking as cookies continue cooking on hot pan after removal
Substitutions
Use unsalted butter and add extra salt to control sodium
Full guide →FAQ
Can I use cold butter instead of room temperature?
Cold butter won't cream properly, resulting in dense cookies. Allow butter to soften for 1-2 hours at room temperature before using.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensure butter wasn't too warm, and check that baking soda is fresh.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Store in airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.