Hold onto this recipe because these are the absolute best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies anyone’s ever tasted!

Nestle Tollhouse has nothing on these tasty, chewy, delights. This is the best homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe that everyone will beg to have. So bake up a batch or two of these beauties, but make sure to freeze some before they all completely disappear! (And it might be a good idea to have a few copies of the recipe printed out for friends, too!)

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies on a baking sheet after cooking

Follow Our Zesty Life on Pinterest for more great recipes and ideas!

PIN this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe to your DESSERTS Board!

Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

  • Every home cook needs their own homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe that’s easy to make and guarantees perfect results every time.
  • Chocolate chip pecan cookies are one of the most classic cookie recipes that gets passed down from generation to generation, and this one is the one mom used to make!
  • These cookies are so legendary, they are holiday worthy. Make and share for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special celebration. 
  • Bake a batch from scratch and celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.
  • These Award-winning soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are also ideal for so many different cookie dough add-ins and variations on the baking methods! Check out this fun skillet bake method, or try these elegant sourdough chocolate chip bars.  Or make some tasty m&m cookies, or some mint chocolate chip cookies for St. Patrick’s Day. 

top view close up of cooked Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies

THE BASICS: This simple recipe makes Crisco chocolate chip cookies because shortening keeps the cookies super chewy and doesn’t make them cakey. It also allows for the cookies to bake longer, creating a crispy edge around the cookies, if that’s the desired result. Basic chocolate chip cookies are made with brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and a handful of pecans.

ADD-INS: Chocolate chip cookies are perfect for all kinds of add-ins! Here’s a list of favorites: oatmeal, white chocolate chips, walnuts, coconut, toffee bits, salted caramels, chunks of dark chocolate bar (break up pieces), or chopped up dried fruit like cherries, apricots, or mangoes.

ingredients to make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to make these chewy cookies!

  1. Cream shortening and brown sugar together, then add wet ingredients.
  2. Mix wet & dry ingredients together and stir in chocolate chips.
  3. Bake (per recipe below). That’s all!

 

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies on a cookie sheet before baking

Tips and Tricks

  • For perfect cookies every time, use a large egg and let it come to room temperature before adding to the batter. This binds the ingredients and gives the cookie a super chewy texture.
  • Double up on the dough recipe and roll it into a log. Wrap in parchment paper and store in a zippered bag with the date labeled on the outside. Then, simply slice off portions and bake as needed. Use unflavored dental floss for clean slices.
  • Or, freeze individual portions on baking sheets and store them in zippered bags. Then just pop out a cookie or two and bake for an instant treat! Bake frozen cookies in an air fryer! No need to heat up the oven!
  • Make chocolate chip cookie towers by spreading icing between cookies and then stacking them up. Top the cookie with icing and add colored sprinkles for a special party treat.
  • Freshly baked chocolate chip pecan cookies will keep for a week in an airtight container. Put a slice of bread in with the cookies to absorb excess moisture caused by room temperature fluctuations.

 

pile of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies on a cooling rack

Other Cookies & Treats!

top view close up of cooked Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
5 from 20 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are truly the best chewy chocolate chip cookies! Look no further than this recipe for a classic cookie time treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Author Candace

Ingredients  

  • ¾ cup shortening golden Crisco
  • 1 ¼ cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups chocolate chips reserve about ¼ cup for adding on top
  • 2 cups chopped pecans or additional 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add shortening and brown sugar. Cream for 2 minutes on medium speed (or until light in color).
  • Add egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat for 45-60 seconds, or until well combined.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. With mixer on low, add to wet mixture, and beat for 45-60 seconds, scraping bowl occasionally until just combined.
  • Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.
  • Using a 2 Tablespoon cookie dough scoop, measure cookie dough and place on ungreased parchment lined baking tray. Leave about 3 inches between cookies.*
  • Bake 11-13 minutes. Cookies will appear moist. Do not over bake.
  • Cool for 2-3 minutes, then carefully move to cooling rack.

Notes

We have also baked these at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, which have a slightly lighter, less crisp edge. Both are very similar!
For a thicker cookie, shape into a “tower.” Watch the baking time starting about 1 minute before the regular cook time is done.
5 from 20 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 271 | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American

Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest

PIN the best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe!

close up of a stack of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with a title

Recipe given to me by my mom, clipped from an old magazine. Similar to this recipe

close up of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with a title

close up of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies cooling on a rack with a title

pile of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and close up with a title

close up of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with writing

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies on a cooling rack with a title

Categories:

, ,

Recipes you'll love

About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
See more posts by Candace

5 from 20 votes (17 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have been a cook and baker for 40 years plus. My grandson wanted me to teach him how to make chocolate cookies. Had a bunch of butter crisco and I had no chocolate chips so I used white chocolate chips. So I thought why not try this recipe. What a great recipe! Easy for him to follow and this is a good cookie! Chewy and sweet and salty. I will make again.

    1. Thank you Shirl, so happy to hear that it was such a success for your and your grandson! My mom made me these ever since I was a little girl too. Great memories!

  2. Wow! You nailed it with this recipe! They are soft and chewy, just the right amount of sweetness. I used lard instead of shortening and the results were fantastic. The whole family gobble them up happily, they disappeared fast!! This was the cookie I was looking for – they remind me of the cookies you can buy at the store with the big parking spots, except better!

    1. Thank you Kate, I’m so happy to hear how much you love these cookies! They’re one my mom made me, so they’re a favorite for me as well.

  3. Can I use omit baking soda… For the purpose do shaping them into alphabets for my moms birthday?? Thanks for a reply!

    1. Hi Evette, I’ve never tried the recipe without baking soda, so cannot say for sure how it’d turn out. Let us know if you do try it!

  4. These Cookies are amazing! I used regular Crisco, and reduced the sugar, the cookies are still soft and chewy . This is now my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.
    Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    1. You’re welcome! These have been a favorite since I was a kid. My mom made them for me and I still make them Thank you for sharing your changes!