These classic chocolate chip cookies showcase their buttery dough with overflowing chocolate chips. Whether for holidays, family gatherings, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe always yields cookies that are soft and chewy in the middle with crispy edges.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, if using salted butter)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or non-stick baking mats.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients Preparation

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Set this bowl aside for later use.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugars

• In a large bowl, combine:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Beat the mixture using a hand or stand mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. The melted butter helps create a chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• To the butter-sugar mixture, add:
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk (for extra chewiness)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Beat until just combined.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light and tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

• Fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can also use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for added flavor.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
• Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
• Look for golden edges but still soft centers. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve warm or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Additional Tips:

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to help with shaping.
• For added depth of flavor, use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips.
• Freeze the dough balls to bake fresh cookies whenever you desire.

Nutritional Information (per cookie):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 100mg

Enjoy baking these best chocolate chip cookies and indulge in their delightful soft, chewy, and chocolatey goodness!