Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crisp golden edges, soft centers, and plenty of chocolate — the classic chocolate chip cookie, with an optional finish of flaky sea salt.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugars until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
8. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a little soft.
9. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

The secret to softer cookies: pull them from the oven before the centers look completely baked. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and set as they cool. A little sea salt makes everything better.