Chocolate Chip Cookies

We all know the saying “as American as apple pie,” but a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe is perhaps the most iconic American dessert of all. Served warm with a glass of milk, this beloved treat is bound to bring up Proustian childhood memories of grandmothers’ kitchens, after-school snacks, and family celebrations.

Opinions vary about what makes the best chocolate chip cookie. Some people like their cookies crispy, while others prefer a chewier texture. This recipe splits the difference, giving you soft cookies with golden brown, crisp edges. And because this variation is so classic, it’s also extremely flexible. If your perfect chocolate chip cookie is slightly crunchy or more on the tender side, experiment with the range of bake times below, cooking just one or two cookies at first to see exactly how to get them just right. If you’re into bold chocolate chunks, you can opt to use chopped chocolate bars instead of chips. Is big crunch your thing? Fold in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts. Lover of salty-sweet? Sprinkle on some fancy salt just before baking. 

For cookies with even more nuanced flavor, chill the cookie dough overnight before baking—this will also keep the dough balls from spreading too much on the cookie sheet. You can use a cookie scoop to portion your dough or a measuring cup, but make sure to moisten your palm before you flatten the cookies out, so they don’t stick to your hand.