Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies – Crispy Edges, Gooey Center!

These classic chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat that never fails to impress! With buttery, crispy edges and a soft, gooey center, these cookies strike the perfect balance between chewiness and crunch. Every bite is packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes the flavor to the next level. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a late-night treat, these cookies will become your go-to recipe for satisfying any cookie craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This chocolate chip cookie recipe is simple yet delivers big on flavor and texture. The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla gives the cookies a rich and slightly caramelized taste, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness. The sprinkle of sea salt at the end adds a subtle contrast, enhancing the overall flavor. Plus, the recipe comes together quickly with just a few basic ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Perfect Occasion:
These cookies are perfect for any occasion! They’re ideal for weekend baking, after-school snacks, potlucks, or gifting to friends and family. The comforting flavors of chocolate and vanilla make them a versatile treat that everyone loves, whether you’re serving them with a glass of cold milk or pairing them with a hot cup of coffee.

Decoration Tips:
For a visually appealing and extra delicious touch, sprinkle the tops of the freshly baked cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving. The contrast of sweet and salty adds a gourmet twist to this classic recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also drizzle melted chocolate on top or press a few extra chocolate chips onto the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.

Ingredients (Makes 9-10 cookies):

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (185g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of flaky sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Garnish:

• Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
   Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
   Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop and Shape:
   Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop 9-10 balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading. You can fit a maximum of 4 cookies on a 15×10-inch baking tray.
8. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy but the centers are still gooey. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
9. Add Finishing Touch:
   As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
10. Cool and Serve:
    Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. Enjoy these rich, chewy cookies with a cold glass of milk!

Enjoy these perfectly balanced, gooey, and crispy chocolate chip cookies!

Storage Tip:
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them fresh when the craving strikes!