When I say that this is the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe I am not kidding. And let me just say, I’ve tested out a lot of recipes. I honestly don’t even remember where we found this recipe but I’ve had it written down and I’ve been carrying it around for years.

Now on the scale of easy… it’s not something I could send my kids off to do on their own because they’re 7 and under. But they can certainly handle this easy baking activity right alongside me. Which is kind of the point here with these posts, right? I want to share more ideas of things to do with your kids to have fun, make more memories, and build those epic bonds.

They might not remember doing all of these things with you as they get older, but there will be a lasting impact. Don’t complicate how to build the relationship. Be present, give yourself opportunities to just observe them in the environment, take in who they are in this moment, and go eat the best chocolate chip cookie with them.

Ingredients for the best chocolate chip cookies
All of the ingredients you need for the best chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredients For Chocolate Chip Cookies

Will bake about 28 cookies

3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly (2 sticks)
1 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 16 ounces (or chocolate bar chopped)

How To Make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F with the rack in the middle Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (here’s our favorite)
  2. Start melting the butter
  3. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl and put to the side
  4. Beat the butter and sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy. It takes a bit of time, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Lightly beat 1 egg in a separate bowl. This is a unique and important step.
  6. Add 2 eggs to the butter mixture and 2 tablespoons of the lightly beaten egg. Mix for about 1 minute until the mixture is creamy.
  7. Beat in the vanilla. We prefer using vanilla bean paste for strong flavor.
  8. Reduce the speed to low and mix in the flour mixture a little bit at a time. Mix in just until blended.
  9. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  10. Scoop about 1/4 cup cookie batter on the prepared pans. They should be about 3 inches apart. We have found that using an ice cream scoop is perfect for this and easy for the kids to help
  11. Next, you will bake for about 13-15 minutes, until golden. Bake 1 sheet at a time. ***The key to chewy cookies is to take them out closer to 13 minutes when they look golden but still soft since they will harden after coming out of the oven
  12. And to make sure this is one of those core memories, share the dough covered beaters and spatulas with your kids
  13. Transfer cookies to a rack cool and bake the second sheet of cookies.
Egg yolk for the cookies
Cookie dough for chocolate chip cookies

How To Make Baking The Best Cookies Even Better With Your Kids

With each activity like this I think it’s important to get yourself in the right mindset. It’s when we go in with high expectations that we end up disappointed. Be prepared that there might be a mess, that the kids might not listen perfectly, and maybe it’ll be loud. So before you get invested in this, go take 10 deep breaths, mentally turn off other stressors that aren’t important in the moment, and maybe go turn on some music that you all love to dance to. Check out this post if you need exta help getting in a good mindset.

Next, keep your kids engaged by saying things like…

“Notice how the butter smells when it melts.”

“What color is the butter and brown sugar turning?”

“If you could only eat one type of cookie forever, what would it be?”

Even more, don’t be afraid to let them measure things out and make a mess. It may be frustrating but it’s also incredibly rewarding for them and keeps them from feeling board.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever
Baking cookies ever as an easy activity with kids

Why These Little Things Make Easy Activities Better

Asking these type of questions is going to keep everyone more involved. In the process, your helping everyone stay more grounded while building their little neuropathways to be more mindful, observant, and most importantly – connected to you.

Find silly songs and laugh and dance and let this be an activity that you allow to be a little messy, really delicious, and build the memories that create long term connections. But most importantly, abandon any idea of what you think this experience should be, and just let it be. Observe your kids and take in who they are right now.

Enjoy The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies and How To Store Them

Like any chocolate chip cookie, these are incredible with some milk. We like to make these and pair them with a family game night.

But once you’re done enjoying the best chocolate chip cookie, don’t forget to store them for later! Using an airtight tupperware container sooner than later will keep them soft.

Or, if you’re like us, we only bake 1 sheet at a time and store the remaining dough in the fridge. We’ll bake fresh cookies throughout the week to extend this activity, but usually we just sneak pieces of dough out and run out!