Perfect Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

December 15, 2025August 18, 2025 by Chef Miles

Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 large egg, at room temperature

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

– 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (a mix of dark and milk chocolate)

– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for a delightful crunch)

– Flaky sea salt for garnishing

To make the perfect bakery-style chocolate chip cookies, you need quality ingredients. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. Brown sugar offers richness and moisture. The egg binds it all together, while vanilla adds a warm flavor.

Flour gives structure, and baking soda helps the cookies rise. Fine sea salt balances the sweetness. For the chocolate, a mix of dark and milk gives a great taste. If you want a crunchy twist, add pecans. You can skip them if you prefer plain cookies.

For a final touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. This enhances the flavor and makes the cookies look beautiful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the dough

– Creaming the butter and sugars

Start by softening your butter at room temperature. In a large bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mix is fluffy and light. This step adds air, which helps your cookies rise.

– Mixing in the egg and vanilla

Next, add the room temperature egg and the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth. This helps to bind the dough and adds flavor.

– Combining dry ingredients

In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well-mixed. Gradually add them to the wet mix. Stir gently to combine. Do not over-mix! This keeps your cookies soft and chewy.

Forming and baking the cookies

– Portioning the dough

Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to form rounded balls of dough. Place them on a lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. This space allows the cookies to spread while baking.

– Baking time and temperature

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the edges and still soft in the center. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them out.

– Cooling process after baking

After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the gooey chocolate centers!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the perfect texture

To get the right texture, do not over-mix the dough. Over-mixing can make your cookies tough. When you mix the flour in, stop as soon as you see no dry flour. This keeps the dough light and airy.

For bakery-style chewiness, use the right butter. Make sure it is softened, not melted. This helps the cookies rise and stay soft inside. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps them hold their shape.

Flavor enhancements

Using quality chocolate makes a big difference. Choose a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips. This gives a rich taste that everyone loves. You can also try using chopped chocolate bars for bigger chunks.

Experiment with nuts for texture. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. If you want a twist, try walnuts or macadamia nuts. Adding flaky sea salt on top boosts flavor. It enhances the sweetness and makes each bite special.

Variations

Chocolate chip alternatives

Do you want to change up the chocolate chips in your cookies? You can! Here are some fun ideas:

– White chocolate chips add a sweet twist.

– Butterscotch chips offer a rich, buttery flavor.

– Feel free to mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.

– You can also add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a healthy crunch.

These options let you create your own unique cookie. You can enjoy different flavors each time you bake!

Gluten-free options

If you want to make gluten-free cookies, it’s easy! Here’s how:

– Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Look for ones made for baking.

– You may need to add more binding agents like xanthan gum. This helps create the right texture.

– Bake the cookies for a minute or two longer. Gluten-free dough can be softer and may need extra time.

With these changes, you can enjoy delicious, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, too!

Storage Info

Proper storage techniques

To keep your chocolate chip cookies fresh, follow these tips:

– Cool completely: Let cookies cool on a wire rack first.

– Airtight containers: Use airtight containers to prevent air from getting in.

– Layer with parchment: Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

– Room temperature: Store cookies at room temperature for best taste.

Freezing cookie dough and baked cookies

Freezing is a great way to enjoy cookies later.

– Freezing cookie dough: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet. Freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can keep them for up to three months.

– Baking from frozen: Bake directly from the freezer. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

– Freezing baked cookies: Cool completely, then wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a zip-top bag and freeze. They can last up to three months too.

– Thawing: To thaw, leave cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes. Enjoy them soft and chewy!

FAQs

How to make cookies without brown sugar?

You can replace brown sugar with granulated sugar. Use the same amount. Your cookies will be less chewy but still tasty. You might want to add a touch of molasses. This gives the cookies a bit of that brown sugar flavor. Mix it in well to keep your dough moist.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for. Cookies may have a softer texture. The flavor may change slightly but should still be good. If you want that rich taste, look for margarine with a high-fat content.

What to do if my cookie dough is too dry or wet?

If your dough is too dry, add a splash of milk or water. Mix it in slowly until it feels right. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. This helps balance the moisture. Always mix lightly and check the dough’s feel.

This article covers everything you need to know about baking cookies. We discussed ingredients and exact measurements, so you can customize your treats. I shared easy, step-by-step instructions, plus tips to get the best texture and flavor. You now have ideas for creative variations and storage methods for fresh cookies. Remember, baking cookies is both fun and rewarding. Experiment with flavors and techniques. Enjoy your delicious treats, knowing you made them from scratc