If you’re looking for the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe—one that’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and crowd-pleasing—this is it. They’re golden at the edges with melty centers, rich and buttery with that perfect caramel-like flavor thanks to the extra brown sugar. Whether you’re dropping off a meal to a friend, filling the freezer with love, or simply baking a little joy for your own family, this is the recipe to save.
There’s something so comforting about the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven—especially these chewy, comforting classics. With decades of cookie-baking experience under my belt, I can confidently say this recipe delivers every time.
Related: Taking a meal to a friend doesn’t have to be hard. Let me help you with some easy meal etiquette tips. I even have free printable tags and labels to make your meals extra special.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe for Gifting or Meal Trains
Ingredients:
- brown sugar, firmly packed
- sugar
- butter, softened
- vanilla
- eggs, room temperature
- cups flour
- kosher salt (regular salt works too, just use less)
- baking soda
- baking powder (I have omitted this, and it still works)
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cream the butter and both sugars together for at least 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently—do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 72 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop dough using a #40 scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 9–11 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and soft in the center.
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
- Brown sugar keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
- Pull them out early! Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven—the pan will finish baking them to perfection.
- Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense, dry cookies.
Tips for the Best Cookies Every Time
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Cream butter and sugar for 2 full minutes to create structure.
- Avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
- Check your baking soda and baking powder for freshness.
- Use an insulated baking sheet for golden edges and soft centers.
- Letting the dough rest in the fridge before freezing isn’t just about firming it up—it also gives the flavors time to develop. Even a short chill helps, but if you have the time, chilling the dough for 24 to 72 hours creates a deeper, richer, more caramelized flavor when baked. It’s a little step that makes a big difference in taste!
A Thoughtful Gift Idea
Cookies don’t always have to be baked before delivery. You can scoop the dough into balls, chill, and freeze them for later. Deliver them in a freezer-safe bag with a printable baking label so your recipient can enjoy warm, fresh cookies when they need them most. [Link to free printable label]
When something happens, everyone helps at first—and sometimes, too much of a good thing can actually be stressful. That’s why mixing in some freezer options is helpful. Often, after the initial help dies down, the person may still be struggling. Dropping off something like frozen cookie dough or a snack box weeks (or months!) later is a simple way to show you’re still thinking of them.
More Sweet Treats to Bake, Freeze, or Gift
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar – A layered jar filled with cookie mix—fun to make or give.
- Toll House Pie – A gooey cookie-pie hybrid that freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Snickerdoodle Bar Cookies – A chewy cinnamon treat perfect for slicing and sharing.
- Fruit Crumble Bars – Sweet fruit layered with a buttery crumble—great warm or straight from the freezer.
- Easy Brownies – Make these rich and chewy brownies in just one bowl!
These cookies have brought joy to so many kitchens—including mine—for decades. I hope they bring warmth and comfort to yours, too.
Related: Brighten someone’s day with a free ecard or text!
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies to Share or Freeze
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and both sugars together for at least 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently—do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 72 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop dough using a #40 scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 9–11 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and soft in the center.
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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