The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: Gooey, Chewy & Perfect Every Time

Chocolate chip cookies were one of the first things I ever baked. Over the years, I’ve tested, tweaked, and tasted countless versions… but this one is the keeper.

So today, I’m sharing not just a recipe, but a piece of my hosting heart, something you can make for yourself on a cozy evening, or gift with love to friends and family. It’s versatile, classic, and always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted (let it cool slightly)

• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (Wayne always adds a pinch extra)

• ¾ cup chocolate chips (equal parts milk and dark chocolate)

• Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional, but highly recommended)

1. Melt & Mix

   

   
   

   • Melt 8 tablespoons salted butter and let it cool for a few minutes so it’s warm but not hot. (This prevents scrambling the egg later.)

     
     

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy and thick.

     
     

   • Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

     
     

2. Fold in the Flour

   
   

   • Add 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined, don’t overmix.

   • Fold in ¾ cup mixed milk and dark chocolate chips.

     
     

     

     
     

Wayne’s Tip: Save a few chocolate chips to press onto the tops of your dough balls for that bakery-style look!

3. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

   You can bake these cookies immediately. However, for deeper flavor and thicker cookies, cover and chill your dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

   
   

   

4. Scoop & Arrange

   

   
   

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

   • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls about 2½ tablespoons each.

   • Space cookies well on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow for spreading.

     
     

5. Bake to Perfection

   

   • Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just barely set.

   • Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 30 minutes so they finish baking with residual heat, keeping the centers soft and gooey.

6. Add a Finishing Touch

   Sprinkle warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving. It enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness beautifully.

7. Serving & Styling

   
   
8. 

Cookies don’t need to be fancy, but they can be beautiful:

• Serve on a vintage porcelain plate for an afternoon treat.

• Wrap them in parchment and twine for a lovely homemade gift.

Pair with:

• Freshly brewed coffee or espresso

• A glass of cold milk (classic!)

• Hot cocoa with a cinnamon stick for something cozy

Wayne’s Hosting Tip: Bake a batch just before guests arrive—there’s no scent more welcoming than warm cookies in the oven.

Manifesto Moment

“We believe every gathering deserves a moment of sweetness”

Whether it’s a brunch, a book club, or just a Tuesday night in, a chocolate chip cookie is more than dessert, it’s comfort, connection, and care served warm on a plate.