12 Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipes to Bake Today
There’s something magical about the scent of soft chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven—it takes me straight back to my childhood summers at my grandma’s house. She’d pull out her worn recipe card, dotted with flour smudges, and we’d mix dough by hand, sneaking chips straight from the bag. Those cookies were always pillowy soft, never crispy, and they’d disappear faster than ice cream on a hot day. That nostalgia fuels my kitchen adventures today.
Lately, I’ve been on a mission in my home kitchen to perfect the ultimate soft chocolate chip cookie. After countless batches—some too cakey, others too chewy—I’ve experimented with browned butter, unique add-ins, and even healthier twists. In a world obsessed with quick snacks and comfort food, these recipes are perfect for busy days, family gatherings, or just treating yourself. They’re all designed to stay irresistibly soft, with melty chocolate in every bite.
Classic Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
These timeless cookies are the gold standard: thick, chewy centers with crisp edges and pools of melty chocolate. Ingredients (makes 24): 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cornstarch (for extra softness), 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, pinch of salt.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy (3 mins), beat in eggs and vanilla, then fold in dry ingredients and chips. Chill dough 30 mins, scoop into balls, bake at 350°F for 10-12 mins until edges are golden but centers soft. They stay moist for days thanks to cornstarch and brown sugar. Perfect for beginners—crowd-pleasing and no-fail comfort.
Brown Butter Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Infusing browned butter adds nutty depth and unbeatable tenderness. Ingredients (makes 24): 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cornstarch, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups chocolate chips, sea salt flakes.
Brown butter until fragrant (5-7 mins), cool slightly, then mix with sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients and chips, chill 1 hour. Bake at 350°F for 11 mins. The butter’s richness keeps them ultra-soft and flavorful—ideal for elevating everyday baking without extra effort.
Peanut Butter Stuffed Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
A surprise peanut butter core makes these decadent and soft-inside-soft. Ingredients (makes 18): Cookie dough as in Classic (above), plus 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter + 1/4 cup powdered sugar for filling.
Prepare classic dough, chill. Mix peanut butter and sugar into small balls. Flatten cookie dough balls, stuff with PB ball, seal, and bake at 350°F for 12 mins. The combo delivers protein-packed satisfaction and gooey contrast—great for PB lovers craving indulgence.
Sea Salt & Toffee Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crunchy toffee bits and flaky sea salt balance sweet chocolate bliss. Ingredients (makes 24): Classic dough base, sub 1 cup chocolate chips + 1 cup toffee bits, sprinkle sea salt post-bake.
Mix dough, fold in chips and toffee, chill 30 mins, bake at 350°F 10 mins, sprinkle salt immediately. The salt cuts sweetness for gourmet appeal, keeping cookies plush—perfect for gifting or parties.
Double Chocolate Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
For chocolate fanatics: cocoa powder doubles down on fudgy softness. Ingredients (makes 24): 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups chocolate chunks.
Cream wet ingredients, blend dry (incl. cocoa), combine with chunks, chill 45 mins. Bake at 325°F for 12 mins. Intense chocolate without cakiness—antioxidant-rich treat for cozy nights.
Mint Chocolate Chip Soft Cookies
Cool mint extract refreshes the classic for a festive twist. Ingredients (makes 24): Classic dough, add 1 tsp peppermint extract + green food coloring (opt.), 1.5 cups mint chocolate chips.
Mix as classic but with mint, chill, bake 350°F 10 mins. The chill factor pairs perfectly with warm softness—refreshing, low-cal vibe for holiday baking.
Pumpkin Spice Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fall flavors meet soft chewiness in this seasonal gem. Ingredients (makes 24): 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 egg, 2 tsp vanilla, 1.5 cups chocolate chips.
Cream butter, sugars, pumpkin, egg, vanilla; add dry spices/flour, chips. Chill 1 hr, bake 350°F 11 mins. Pumpkin adds moisture for mega-softness and vitamins—cozy autumn essential.
Almond Flour Keto Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Low-carb, gluten-free bliss without sacrificing softness. Ingredients (makes 16): 2.5 cups almond flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup erythritol, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch salt, 1 cup sugar-free chocolate chips.
Mix wet, fold in dry and chips, chill 30 mins, bake 325°F 10 mins. Keto-friendly (under 3g net carbs each) with nutty richness—ideal for health-conscious bakers.
Vegan Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Plant-based perfection: aquafaba mimics eggs for fluff. Ingredients (makes 24): 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cornstarch, 3/4 cup vegan butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 3 tbsp aquafaba, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups vegan chocolate chips.
Cream vegan fats/sugars, add aquafaba/vanilla, mix dry, add chips. Chill, bake 350°F 10 mins. Dairy-free, soft as ever—compassionate choice for all diets.
Red Velvet Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tangy cream cheese vibe with red hues and chips. Ingredients (makes 20): 2 cups flour, 2 tbsp cocoa, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 cup butter, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, red food color, 1.5 cups white chocolate chips.
Blend wet (incl. cream cheese/color), add dry, chips. Chill 1 hr, bake 350°F 11 mins. Buttery softness with visual pop—fun for Valentine’s or themed treats.
S’mores Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Graham cracker and marshmallow evoke campfire joy indoors. Ingredients (makes 24): Classic dough, add 1 cup crushed graham crackers + 1 cup chocolate chips + mini marshmallows.
Fold add-ins into dough, chill, top with extra marshmallows pre-bake at 350°F 12 mins, broil 1 min for toast. Gooey, soft s’mores texture—nostalgic summer-in-cookie form.
Lemon Zest Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bright citrus cuts through chocolate for sunny softness. Ingredients (makes 24): Classic dough, zest of 2 lemons + 1 tsp lemon extract, white chocolate chips.
Mix zest/extract into wet ingredients, proceed as classic, bake 350°F 10 mins. Zesty lift prevents heaviness—refreshing twist for brighter days.
Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or trying something new, these 12 soft chocolate chip cookie recipes are foolproof ways to fill your kitchen with warmth and your home with smiles. Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and bake a batch today—you won’t regret it!
