Name: How To Make Chocolate Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; 2 eggs at room temperature; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¾ cup all-purpose flour

Who doesn’t love a warm chocolate cookie that melts in your mouth? The best part? They don’t have to be complicated to make! With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up these rich, gooey homemade chocolate cookies that are perfect for any occasion—from a quick sweet treat to an indulgent dessert for friends and family.

This recipe will guide you through everything from baking these delightful cookies to storing, freezing, and even putting your unique spin on them. Let’s get started!

If you’re craving more deliciously easy cookie recipes, we’ve got you covered! For a guilt-free treat, whip up our Sugar-Free Butter Cookies Recipe—a buttery delight without the extra sugar. Looking for something zesty?

Fudgey Chocolate Cookies Recipe for Homemade Chocolate Cookies

Try the Easy Key Lime Pie Cookies (our Crumbl copycat!) that bring a tropical twist to your baking routine. For a wholesome snack, enjoy the chewy goodness of Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies, packed with natural sweetness and hearty oats.

And if you’re short on time, our Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are ready in minutes—crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside!

Each recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to satisfy your cookie cravings, no matter the occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to create these delicious chocolate cookies. Chances are, you already have most of these in your pantry!

½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional, but it enhances the chocolate flavor!)
2 eggs at room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven– Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Melt the Butter and Chocolate– Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbling. Do not allow it to brown. Add the chocolate chips and cocoa powder to a mixing bowl, then pour the hot butter over it. Wait a few minutes for the chocolate to melt, then stir until smooth.
Beat the Eggs and Sugar– Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
Combine the Mixtures– Pour the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract into the beaten eggs. Blend on low speed until fully combined.
Add the Flour– Slowly add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can affect the texture.
Scoop the Dough– Form the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls (you can roll them between your palms for a smoother finish) and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one.
Bake– Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. They should be set but slightly soft in the middle. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storing Your Homemade Chocolate Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days. For extra freshness, add a piece of bread to the container—it helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies soft!

How to Freeze Homemade Chocolate Cookies

If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing is an excellent option. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Freezer Shelf-Life: The cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.

Pro Tip: You can also freeze the dough! Scoop it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then store the balls in a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.

Fun Variations on Chocolate Cookies

Why stick with the classic chocolate cookie when you can experiment? Here are some creative twists to make each batch unique!

Peanut Butter Swirl: Add small dollops of peanut butter to the dough before baking, and gently swirl with a toothpick.
Mint Chocolate: Stir in crushed peppermint candies or a splash of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle the cooled cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
Double Chocolate Chunk: Toss in some extra chocolate chunks for an extra gooey, chocolatey experience.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Homemade Cookies

Want to elevate your cookie game? Keep these tips in mind!

Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps the batter mix more evenly for a smoother texture.
Don’t Skip the Espresso Powder: It may seem extra, but espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and deeper.
Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure even-sized cookies that bake uniformly, use a cookie scoop.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should come out of the oven slightly underbaked in the middle. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Customize Sweetness: Prefer a less-sweet cookie? Use dark chocolate chips or reduce the granulated sugar slightly.

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Final Thoughts

There you have it—a foolproof recipe for mouthwatering chocolate cookies, along with all the tips, storage tricks, and variations to keep your cookie jar exciting. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Now, it’s your turn to bake! Gather your ingredients, warm up your oven, and enjoy the process. With this recipe in hand, your next batch of cookies will undoubtedly be your best yet. 🍪

How To Make Chocolate Cookies

Yield: 18 cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
2 eggs at room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook until bubbling (but do not allow the butter to brown).
Add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and a medium mixing bowl. Pour the hot butter over the mixture and set aside to melt for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract into the beaten eggs and mix on low speed until combined.
Add the flour and mix on low speed just until incorporated, but do not over-mix.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 2 tablespoon (1 ounce) dough balls. Leave 2-inches between each dough ball. For cookies with a smooth top surface, roll the balls between your lightly oiled palms to create smooth dough balls.
Bake the cookies at 350F for 8-10 minutes until set. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely to room temperature.