Name: Soft Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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If you’re a fan of indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth treats, these Soft Chocolate Cookies are about to become your new baking obsession. With their rich cocoa flavor, lightly crisp edges, and irresistibly gooey centers studded with chocolate chips, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert or just want a delicious pick-me-up, these cookies combine nostalgic flavors with the kind of satisfying softness only homemade cookies can deliver.

Soft Chocolate Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about keeping things simple—especially when it comes to soft chocolate cookies. Each ingredient has a true purpose, contributing to that perfect soft texture and deep chocolate flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened): The base for that rich, velvety crumb—make sure it’s perfectly softened for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to those delightfully crisp edges.
Large egg (1): Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies their soft, chewy body.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash boosts all the chocolatey notes with warm aroma.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Holds the cookies together while keeping them tender—don’t overmix!
Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): The hero ingredient for that deep, intense chocolate flavor.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Adds just enough lift for soft, pillowy cookies.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): A little goes a long way—balances out the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For those dreamy, melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Soft Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little bit of prep prevents your soft chocolate cookies from sticking, and makes cleanup a breeze—even more time for cookie enjoyment!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key for creating air pockets, which help give the cookies their signature softness. Don’t rush it—give it a good three minutes!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in that large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy, promising the chewy texture you crave in soft chocolate cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly mingled, so you won’t get any bitter salt or soda surprises.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing at this stage zaps the tenderness! Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Arrange

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each—these cookies spread just enough to get that perfect balance of soft and chewy. For bakery-worthy looks, dot a few extra chips on top before baking!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges set but the centers still looking a touch soft. They’ll finish setting up as they cool, ensuring every Soft Chocolate Cookie comes out lusciously chewy. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve Soft Chocolate Cookies

Garnishes

For added flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop each cookie right out of the oven. Not only does it look elegant, but it also deepens the chocolate flavors and adds a lovely contrast to their sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Soft Chocolate Cookies with a tall glass of ice-cold milk, or serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. For a more grown-up vibe, try a cup of rich espresso or even a sweet dessert wine on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies high on a rustic cake stand, or arrange them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for the perfect edible gift. If you’re serving a crowd, make a “cookie board” with fresh berries and candies for a show-stopping dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once totally cooled, store your soft chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for lunchbox treats or sweet snacking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze baked cookies layered between parchment sheets in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Or, scoop and freeze the dough balls, then bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This softens the chocolate chips and returns every bite to prime gooey goodness, as if they were fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I add nuts to the Soft Chocolate Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add great crunch and pair beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor. Just fold in about ½ cup with the chocolate chips for best results.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is ideal for this recipe, but Dutch-process cocoa will work too and yield an even deeper chocolatey hue. Just be sure it’s fresh for the richest taste.

Can I double the recipe if I need more cookies?

Yes, these soft chocolate cookies are perfect for doubling. Simply scale up all ingredients and bake batches as usual—just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough for the bigger batch!

Why do my cookies sometimes turn out cakey instead of chewy?

Cakey cookies usually result from too much flour or overbaking. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement, and always bake until the centers look just set for that signature softness.

How can I make these cookies gluten free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get deliciously soft chocolate cookies!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistibly comforting about a batch of homemade soft chocolate cookies, especially when they’re this easy and rewarding to make. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share the joy—just be prepared for them to disappear in a flash!

Soft Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these soft chocolate cookies that are rich, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.