Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in your chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Chilling:

• Prevents cookies from spreading too thin
• Enhances flavor
• Creates a chewier texture

Step 8: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 9: Shape the Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls.
Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading.

For bakery-style thick cookies, chill shaped dough balls for 10 minutes before baking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until:

• The edges are lightly golden
• The centers still look soft

Cookies continue baking from residual heat even after removal, so don’t overbake them.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve warm for maximum melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

🍫 Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

• Use a mix of chocolate chips and chunks for richer flavor.
• Brown sugar adds chewiness, while granulated sugar adds crispness—balance is key.
• Don’t skip the salt; it enhances every flavor in the cookie.
• Experiment with brown butter for a nutty, caramel-like depth.
• Add flaky sea salt on top for a bakery-style finish.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Chocolate chip cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a tradition passed from one generation to the next. With simple ingredients and a little technique, you can create a cookie that is soft, gooey, rich, and unforgettable. Whether baking for your family, a gathering, or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

If you’d like, I can also write:
🍪 A gluten-free version
🍪 A bakery-style giant cookie version
🍪 A crispy or extra-chewy variation

Just let me know!