National Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The gooey chocolate, buttery dough, and hint of sweetness are pure comfort in every bite. And what better day to indulge in these delightful treats than National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day?

For me, baking chocolate chip cookies has always been a little ritual that brings back childhood memories of sneaking dough off the spoon and eagerly waiting by the oven as the smell filled our kitchen.

How to make National Chocolate Chip Cookies

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day is an unofficial food holiday celebrated in the United States to honor one of America’s most beloved sweet treats—the chocolate chip cookie. It’s typically observed on August 4th each year.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk (adds extra richness)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

The Star Ingredient:

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for variety)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• A pinch of flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top post-baking (if you like a sweet-salty combo!)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes). Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined and the batter takes on a glossy texture.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the cookies dense instead of chewy.

Step 5: Gently stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape better while baking and enhances the flavor.

Step 7: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 1½ tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly undercooked (they firm up as they cool). Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips for Baking the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Measure Your Flour Precisely: Over-measuring flour is the most common mistake! Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Use Room-Temperature Eggs: Room-temperature eggs blend better with other ingredients for smoother dough.
• Customize Your Chips: Mix different types of chocolate (milk, dark, or white) or even use chocolate chunks for a gourmet touch.
• For Extra Texture: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the baked cookies to add a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze the dough for up to 3 months for fresh cookies anytime.

What to serve with

Chocolate chip cookies are a versatile and beloved treat that pairs wonderfully with various food and drinks.

Beverage Pairings

Chocolate chip cookies are classic on their own, but pairing them with the right drink takes the experience to the next level. Here are some suggestions:

1. Milk (Classic Choice)

Reason: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of milk complement the richness of chocolate chip cookies.

Options:

• Whole Milk for added creaminess.
• Almond, Oat, or Soy Milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Pro Tip: Serve the milk cold in a tall glass for the perfect balance to a warm cookie.

2. Coffee

Reason: The bitterness of brewed coffee cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, bringing out complex chocolate flavors.

Options:

• Serve black coffee for a bold taste.
• Add a touch of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup to echo the cookie flavor.

Pro Tip: A latte or cappuccino with frothy milk creates a cozy pairing.

3. Hot Chocolate

Reason: This decadent combo screams indulgence and is especially perfect during colder months.

Pro Tip: Add whipped cream, marshmallows, or a drizzle of caramel on your hot chocolate for extra flair. Bonus points if you use chocolate chunks instead of powder for a richer drink.

4. Tea

Reason: Lighter teas like earl grey or chamomile provide a delightful contrast to the cookie’s sweetness, while spiced teas such as chai complement the richness.

Pro Tip: Serve tea with a splash of milk for a creamy pairing.

5. Milkshakes

Reason: Cookies and cream go hand-in-hand! A vanilla or chocolate milkshake amplifies the cookie flavor beautifully.

Pro Tip: Crumble some cookies into your milkshake or serve a cookie alongside the rim.

6. Wine (For Adults)

Reason: A glass of dessert wine or red wine with fruity or chocolatey undertones pairs well with chocolate chip cookies.

Options:

• Try a port, shiraz, or merlot for rich flavors.
• A rosé champagne balances the sweetness well.

Sides for a Cookie Spread

If you’re creating a platter or hosting an event, pair chocolate chip cookies with complementary food items for an unforgettable spread.

1. Ice Cream

Reason: Ice cream and cookies are a match made in heaven. The cold, creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the warm, gooey cookies.

Options:

• Vanilla is always a safe choice.
• Chocolate, caramel, or cookie dough flavor adds to the decadence.

Pro Tip: Make an ice cream sandwich by layering ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges of the sandwich in sprinkles or crushed nuts for added fun!

2. Fresh Fruit

Reason: The natural sweetness of fruit provides a refreshing counterpart to the richness of the cookie.

Options:

• Serve berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a tart contrast.
• Slice fresh bananas or mangoes for a tropical touch.

Pro Tip: Dip fruit in melted chocolate to continue the chocolatey theme.

3. Whipped Cream or Frosting (Optional Toppings)

Reason: A whipped cream or frosting dollop adds an extra sweetness and elegance.

Pro Tip: Pipe the cream or frosting onto the cookie for a decorative dessert.

4. Soft Cheese and Crackers (Unique Pairing)

Reason: The tanginess of soft cheeses like cream cheese or brie balances the sugary cookies.

Pro Tip: Spread cheese on a cookie instead of a cracker for a bold flavor combination.

Ingredients Substitutes

The National Chocolate Chip Cookie is a treasured dessert that many enjoy, but sometimes you may lack certain ingredients or wish to modify the recipe for dietary preferences, allergies, or just creativity.

1. Flour

Flour is the foundation of the cookie structure. If you need to substitute it, consider the following options:

• Gluten-Free Substitute: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a blend of almond flour and coconut flour (typically 1:1 ratio). To improve structure, add ½ teaspoons of xanthan gum.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a nuttier flavour, replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to increase the amount of liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
• Oat Flour: For a gluten-free option, use oat flour. For best results, mix with an equal amount of cornstarch to mimic the texture of all-purpose flour.

2. Butter

Butter adds richness, flavor, and moisture to National Chocolate Chip Cookies. Substitutes include:

• Margarine: Use margarine for a direct substitution. Choose non-hydrogenated varieties to avoid trans fats.
• Coconut Oil: Replace butter with solid coconut oil (use a 1:1 ratio). This will add a mild coconut flavor.
• Applesauce: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat cookie. This creates a softer texture.
• Greek Yoghurt: Replace half the butter with full-fat plain Greek yoghurt for added moisture and tang.

3. Sugar

Sugar provides sweetness and aids in creating the National Chocolate Chip Cookie texture. Alternatives include:

• Brown Sugar: If you’re out of granulated sugar, use an equal amount of brown sugar for a slightly richer flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar as a natural alternative. The flavor may be slightly caramel-like.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Replace sugar with these liquid sweeteners (¾ cup for every 1 cup of sugar). Reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly to compensate for added moisture.
• Stevia/Erythritol: For a sugar-free option, use stevia or erythritol-based sweeteners. Follow the manufacturer’s conversion guidelines.

4. Eggs

Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture. Substitutes for different needs include:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2½ tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes until gel-like.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Use ¼ cup applesauce per egg to add moisture to the dough.
• Mashed Bananas: Replace each egg with ¼ cup mashed ripe banana. This will add sweetness and a hint of banana flavor.
• Yogurt: Use ¼ cup plain full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt per egg for a soft and tender cookie.

5. Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips are the star of the National Chocolate Chip Cookie! If you’re out or need alternatives, try these:

• Dark Chocolate: Chop up dark chocolate bars or semi-sweet chocolate chunks for larger pieces in your National Chocolate Chip Cookie.
• White Chocolate Chips: Replace with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier twist.
• Carob Chips: Use carob chips as a caffeine-free and slightly less sweet alternative to chocolate chips.
• Dried Fruit or Nuts: For a healthier option, replace chocolate chips with dried cranberries, raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans.

6. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of cookies. Alternatives include:

• Maple Syrup: Use 1 teaspoon of maple syrup for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Almond Extract: Substitute with almond extract (just ½ teaspoon, as it’s stronger in flavor).
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice can brighten the flavor, especially if paired with white chocolate.

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps cookies rise and spread. If you’re out, here’s what you can use:

• Baking Powder: Replace with twice the amount of baking powder (e.g., 1 teaspoon baking soda = 2 teaspoons baking powder). Note: Baking powder may slightly alter the texture of the cookies.
• Self-Rising Flour: Use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour, as it contains baking powder and salt.

8. Salt

Salt balances sweetness and enhances flavors. Substitutes include:

• Sea Salt: Use an equal amount of sea salt or kosher salt for similar results.
• Salted Butter: If you’re out of salt, use salted butter and reduce the salt proportion in the custom recipe.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any celebration, but there’s something extra special about making them for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. 

More Cookie Recipes:

• Great American Cookie Recipe
• Homemade Chobani Cookie Dough Creamer Recipe