Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies with golden edges and melty chocolate are the quintessential American family treat. This beloved classic is the most iconic cookie in the world.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using medium speed for about 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract on low speed to avoid splashing.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly; gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the center rack of the oven for 10–12 minutes, watching closely and removing the cookies as soon as the edges turn golden but centers are still soft.
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing carryover heat to finish setting the centers.