If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a warm, irresistibly soft cookie packed with melty chocolate chips, then you’re going to love this Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s a classic that brings a little extra sprinkle of love and nostalgia with every bite. These cookies perfectly balance a golden, tender crumb with pockets of rich, semi-sweet chocolate, making them an absolute must-bake for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends, surprising your family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become your favorite go-to cookie formula.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create cookie magic. Each one plays a special role—from the creamy butter to the burst of flavor in the chocolate chips—ensuring your cookies turn out just right every time.
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- 2 cups light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enriches the overall taste.
- 1 bag (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient—gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and light brown sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because it introduces air into the dough, which results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully blended. Follow with the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor that makes these cookies feel like a cozy hug from your oven.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Combining these ingredients beforehand prevents clumps and ensures an even rise when baking.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want to keep the dough tender and soft, not tough.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part—folding in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough so every cookie gets a generous dose of chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Drop teaspoon-sized mounds of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Feel free to adjust the cookie size to your liking—larger cookies will be chewy and thick while smaller ones get delightfully crisp edges.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes. You’ll want to pull them out once the tops are just beginning to turn that perfect golden brown, keeping the centers soft and gooey.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to finish cooking gently. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, giving you that ideal texture with a slight crisp on the edges and a chewy center.
How to Serve Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect on their own, you can add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to enhance the chocolate’s richness. Another fun touch is dipping half of each cookie in melted chocolate or rolling them in finely chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies with a cold glass of milk for that classic combo everyone loves. Or, for a grown-up twist, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board tied with twine for a charming gift. You can also sandwich some peanut butter, Nutella, or marshmallow fluff between two cookies to make delightful cookie sandwiches that steal the show at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, keeping that irresistible soft texture intact. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps retain moisture if you prefer them extra tender.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag—then bake directly from frozen with a minute or two added to baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm up your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive their delightful texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely! Just add a pinch more salt to the dough to balance flavors if you’re substituting with unsalted butter.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chopped chocolate bars—you can customize the cookies to your sweet tooth’s liking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop even more before baking.
How do I make bigger, chewy cookies?
Simply increase the dough size when dropping onto the cookie sheet and bake for a minute or two longer. This creates a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
This Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful baking adventures that’s easy to tackle and always rewarding. From the cozy aroma filling your kitchen to the first bite of gooey, chocolate-studded cookie, you’re in for a treat you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a batch of cookies that truly feels like a sweet gift from a friendly neighbor.
Print
Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies are a deliciously classic treat featuring a perfect balance of buttery dough and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These cookies have a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges, making them the perfect snack or dessert to enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Add-ins
- 1 bag (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or by hand.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add the chocolate chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Adjust size to your preference.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes or until the tops are starting to turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes to finish cooking, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easier clean-up and to prevent sticking.
- Customize by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans if desired.
- The cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
