Perfect Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Irresistible!

Introduction

There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the kitchen. It brings back memories of childhood, late-night baking sessions, and cozy gatherings with loved ones. But not all chocolate chip cookies are created equal. If you’ve been searching for the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and decadently rich, this Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is exactly what you need. Using premium-quality Ghirardelli chocolate chips, these cookies have an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the world of homemade cookies, this foolproof recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Soft & Chewy: Achieves the perfect texture with the right balance of butter, sugar, and baking techniques.
• Rich, Decadent Flavor: Made with Ghirardelli chocolate chips, ensuring a deep and luxurious chocolate experience in every bite.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this an ideal recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday, party, or just because, these cookies will always be a hit.
• No Chilling Required: Unlike some cookie recipes that require hours of chilling, you can bake these immediately for instant gratification.

Equipment Needed

To ensure the best results, have these kitchen essentials ready:

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop (optional but recommended for even sizing)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (340g) Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips

Ingredient Tips:

• If you want a deeper caramel flavor, opt for dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
• For a softer cookie, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Substitute half of the butter with coconut oil for a subtle nutty flavor.

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the Ghirardelli chocolate chips using a spatula.

7. Scoop & Bake

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft.

9. Cool & Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Tips for the Best Cookies

• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing leads to dense cookies; mix until ingredients are just combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and prevents the butter from clumping.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Ghirardelli chocolate chips make all the difference in taste and texture.
• Adjust Baking Time: For extra chewy cookies, bake for 9-10 minutes; for slightly crispy edges, bake for 12-13 minutes.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate classic pairing.
• Sandwich two cookies with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set for a bakery-style look.
• Pair with a warm cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How do I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Why did my cookies turn out flat? Flat cookies may result from butter that is too warm. Try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Can I use a different type of chocolate? Absolutely! Try Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~210
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g

Concluding Thoughts

There you have it – the ultimate Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that is soft, chewy, and packed with indulgent chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re making these for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try this recipe today, and let me know how they turn out by leaving a comment below. Happy baking!