The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie! Melissa Says Best Recipe

Introduction

Stop your search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie right here! This is The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie! Melissa Says recipe, and it truly delivers on that promise. With a simple one-bowl prep method, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and yield a freakishly good result every single time. Get ready to bake the best cookies of your life.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for these incredible cookies, which promise a perfect chewy texture and rich, buttery flavor with every bite.

• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Scant ½ teaspoon salt
• Generous ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1¾ cups unbleached all-purpose white flour
• 1½ to 2 cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie! Melissa says, OMG! Stop! Look no more! These are the best freak… about 20% faster to make than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Properly creaming the butter and sugars is essential for creating the perfect texture in your ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 2 — Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined evenly.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for consistent rising.

Step 4 — Mix Dry into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be thick.

Step 5 — Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. For the ultimate experience, use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.

Step 6 — Chill the Dough

For best results, cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling solidifies the fat, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and results in a thicker, chewier texture.

Step 7 — Preheat Oven and Scoop Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.

Step 8 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear slightly soft and underdone. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.

Step 9 — Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is crucial for the perfect final texture. Then, dig in and experience why these are truly the best freak’n chocolate chip cookies!

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	9g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	125mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

You can easily customize The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie to fit your dietary needs without sacrificing that amazing flavor. Here are some simple swaps to try.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of unflavored protein powder for a nutty, satisfying boost.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the brown and white sugars for a monk fruit or erythritol blend to reduce the carb content while keeping the sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil to make these cookies completely dairy-free, adding a subtle, rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Flour — A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used instead of regular flour for a cookie that everyone can enjoy.
• Low-Sodium Option — Simply omit the salt or use a salt substitute if you are watching your sodium intake.
• Egg Alternative — For an egg-free version, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) works perfectly as a binder.
• Dark Chocolate Chips — Choose sugar-free or 70%+ dark chocolate chips to reduce sugar and add antioxidants.
• Whole Wheat Flour — Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for extra fiber and a heartier texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair a warm The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie with a tall glass of cold milk for the classic, unbeatable combination.
• Serve alongside a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream to create an incredible cookie sundae.
• Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift packaged in a cute box.
• For a brunch or afternoon tea, crumble a cookie over a bowl of Greek yogurt or enjoy with a cup of coffee.
• Create a dessert board with an assortment of these cookies, fresh fruit, and different types of chocolate for dipping.
• Plate the cookies while they are still slightly warm from the oven to maximize the gooey, melty chocolate experience.

However you choose to serve them, these are truly the best chocolate chip cookies for any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using melted butter, which can cause cookies to spread too much and become greasy. Fix: Use room-temperature, softened butter to achieve the perfect chewy texture for The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie.
• Mistake: Overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which develops too much gluten and leads to tough cookies. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears to keep them tender.
• Mistake: Baking cookies on a hot baking sheet, causing the bottoms to burn before the centers are done. Fix: Always allow your baking sheets to cool completely between batches.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of chilling the dough, resulting in flat, thin cookies. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading and enhance flavor.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly by scooping directly from the bag, which packs in too much flour. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate, light measurements.
• Mistake: Using only one type of chocolate chip, which limits the depth of chocolate flavor. Fix: Combine semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips or chunks for a more complex, bakery-style taste.
• Mistake: Overbaking because you’re waiting for the cookies to look fully done in the oven. Fix: Remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone; they will firm up as they cool.
• Mistake: Not using enough salt, leaving the cookies tasting bland and overly sweet. Fix: Don’t skip the salt; it’s crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor.
• Mistake: Crowding the baking sheet, which causes the cookies to bake into each other and steam instead of bake. Fix: Leave ample space between dough balls for proper air circulation.
• Mistake: Using stale baking soda, which loses its leavening power and results in dense cookies. Fix: Test your baking soda for freshness to ensure your cookies rise properly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through to a food-safe internal temperature.

For the best texture, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before reheating.

Conclusion

There you have it—The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that truly lives up to its name! I hope you love baking and devouring these as much as I do. If you’re craving more chocolatey goodness, try our Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Easy. Please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more incredible recipes!

Print

FAQs

What makes this recipe for The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie so special?

The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and technique. Using a combination of melted butter and brown sugar creates a chewy center with crispy edges. This recipe truly earns its title as The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 72 hours for a richer, more developed flavor. For the best results when making The ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookie, let the dough come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store your cooled ULTIMATE Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.