Best Homemade Chocolate Cookies Recipe Step by Step

Few things in life can compare to the comfort of biting into a freshly baked chocolate cookie. Soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with rich cocoa flavor, these cookies are a true crowd pleaser. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is reason enough to make them, and the taste will have everyone reaching for seconds.
What makes homemade chocolate cookies so special is the ability to customize them to your taste. Whether you love an extra fudgy bite, prefer a touch of crunch, or enjoy a balance of sweetness and bitterness, this recipe gives you everything you need for perfect cookies every time. With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, you can bring bakery style results into your own home.
Why You Need This Recipe

This recipe is beginner friendly yet delivers professional quality cookies that are chewy, chocolatey, and indulgent. It saves you from the artificial taste of store bought cookies while giving you complete control over flavor and texture. You can also add your own twist with chocolate chunks, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. These cookies are perfect for everyday snacks, festive celebrations, or gifting to friends and family. Once you try them, they will become your go to chocolate cookie recipe.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients that will make your cookies rich, chewy, and irresistible
Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
---|---|---|
All purpose flour | 1 ¼ cups | 455 |
Unsweetened cocoa powder | ½ cup | 100 |
Baking soda | ½ tsp | 0 |
Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | 400 |
Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 387 |
Brown sugar | ½ cup | 414 |
Large egg | 1 | 70 |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
Chocolate chips | 1 cup | 805 |
This recipe makes about 18 cookies, and calories are estimated per ingredient used
How to Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips
For the best results, do not overbake the cookies, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. Chill the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies with less spread. Use high quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips to elevate the flavor. If you prefer an extra chewy texture, replace a couple of tablespoons of flour with cornstarch. A light sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking adds a bakery style finish that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Chocolate cookies taste amazing on their own, but pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee makes them even more enjoyable. They also go well with vanilla ice cream to create a simple yet indulgent dessert. For toppings, drizzle melted white chocolate, add crushed nuts, or sandwich two cookies with frosting for a decadent twist.
Conclusion
Homemade chocolate cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from cozy evenings at home to festive celebrations with loved ones. With their rich flavour, soft texture, and endless possibilities for customization, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking collection. Once you bake a batch, you’ll understand why nothing beats cookies made from scratch.