Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Sugar and Vanilla

Name: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Sugar and Vanilla
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as biting into a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie. This recipe for Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Sugar and Vanilla brings you back to the nostalgic taste of cookies fresh out of the oven—crispy at the edges, chewy in the center, and filled with rich pools of melted chocolate.

The use of brown sugar deepens the flavor, adding caramel-like notes and extra chewiness, while vanilla extract enhances the overall warmth and sweetness. These cookies are timeless and universally loved, making them perfect for everything from an after-school treat to a sweet finish for dinner parties.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between texture and flavor. The edges are golden and slightly crisp, but the centers remain soft and chewy—my ideal cookie! The brown sugar gives it a depth of flavor that plain white sugar just can’t match, and the vanilla adds a homey, bakery-style aroma.

It’s also a fail-proof recipe—easy enough for beginners but reliable enough to impress seasoned bakers. And let’s be honest: there’s something incredibly joyful about making a batch of cookies, sharing them with friends and family, or sneaking one warm from the tray with a glass of milk.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Timeless Classic: Loved by both kids and adults.
Perfectly Balanced: Crispy edges, chewy centers, melty chocolate.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples that come together quickly.
Versatile: Can be customized with nuts, different chocolates, or even sea salt.
Crowd-Pleaser: Always the first treat to disappear at parties or gatherings.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time (optional, for best results): 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 55 minutes (with chilling) or 25 minutes (without chilling)
Servings: About 24 cookies
Course: Dessert / Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: ~200 calories per cookie

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate

Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using) with a spatula.
Chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (optional, but improves texture).

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve

Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
Pile on a platter for parties or gatherings.
Sandwich ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a quick sundae topping.

Recipe Tips

Chill the dough: Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much and deepens flavor.
Underbake slightly: Take cookies out when centers look just set—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
Use room-temperature butter and eggs: Ensures smooth mixing and even texture.
Mix up the chocolate: Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combo.

Variations

Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Double Chocolate: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup rolled oats for extra texture.
White Chocolate & Cranberry: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and dried cranberries.
Espresso Twist: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to enhance flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 1 week.
Freezer (Dough): Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag (up to 2 months). Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to bake time.
Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze cooled cookies in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.

Special Equipment Needed

Hand mixer or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

Conclusion

These Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Sugar and Vanilla are everything a cookie should be—chewy, gooey, sweet, and irresistible. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough to share with friends and family. The caramel depth of brown sugar and the warmth of vanilla make these cookies stand out as a must-try treat.

Whether you bake them for comfort, celebration, or just because, they’re bound to become a household favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Print Recipe