There’s something magical about pulling a tray of warm cookies from the oven, the scent of butter and vanilla, the melty chocolate chips, the golden edges just crisping up. This Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookie recipe has been my go-to for years, and I promise you, it’s the kind of cookie that disappears the moment it hits the table.
The first time I tried this recipe, it was one of those chilly Sundays where comfort food felt like the only answer. I grabbed a bag of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips, whipped up a batch on a whim, and ended up with cookies that had that perfect soft center and a delicate crispy bite around the edges. I was hooked, and so was everyone else who got their hands on one.
This Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookie recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s quick enough to make on a weekday evening, indulgent enough to impress guests, and nostalgic enough to remind you of your favorite bakery treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie swap, a school event, or just your own sweet tooth, this cookie delivers every single time.
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Why This Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Is a Keeper
What makes this particular recipe stand out is its rich flavor and texture, thanks to the quality of Ghirardelli chocolate. Their chocolate chips have a deep, balanced cocoa taste with just the right touch of sweetness. But there’s more to it than the chocolate, this recipe nails the chewy-meets-crispy texture that’s so hard to get just right.
The butter is slightly browned to add nutty undertones. We use both brown and white sugar for that coveted caramelized flavor and balanced sweetness. And the dough is chilled, which lets the flavors develop and keeps the cookies thick and gooey in the middle.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly adaptable:
- Want it nutty? Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Going dairy-free? Use a plant-based butter and dark chocolate chips.
- Need it gluten-free? A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour swap works beautifully.
It’s these little tweaks that make this recipe feel personal while always maintaining the core of what makes a Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookie recipe so exceptional: premium ingredients, foolproof technique, and delicious results.
Recipe Card
Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings15
minutes15
minutes150
kcalBake the perfect batch of Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies! This classic recipe combines rich, creamy chocolate chips with a soft, chewy texture, making every bite pure bliss.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (340g) Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine and Fold in Chips: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in Ghirardelli chocolate chips.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk!
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before baking.
- Make sure butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right consistency.
Tips for the Perfect Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of the chocolate chips can make or break the flavor of your cookies. Choose Ghirardelli for a creamy, rich chocolate taste.
- Scoop Evenly: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size. This guarantees even baking and makes for a prettier presentation.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Fun and Delicious Variants of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
1. Double Chocolate Ghirardelli Cookies
Love chocolate? Swap half the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and use Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. The result is a rich, brownie-like cookie that melts in your mouth. For extra decadence, add a few chunks of white chocolate to contrast the deep cocoa base.
2. Ghirardelli Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a more rustic, hearty bite, replace one-third of the flour with rolled oats. The oats add texture and a slight nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the silky smoothness of Ghirardelli chips. These cookies feel more wholesome, great with your afternoon coffee or as a post-dinner treat.
3. Salted Caramel Ghirardelli Cookies
Mix in a handful of soft caramel bits and top each cookie with a light sprinkle of sea salt just before baking. The caramel melts into gooey pockets, and the salt balances the sweetness in the most irresistible way. If you love that sweet-salty combo, this one is a must-try.
4. Gluten-Free Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add an extra egg yolk for moisture. Ghirardelli chips are gluten-free by default, so you can keep the same luxurious chocolate punch in a version that everyone can enjoy.
FAQ
Yes, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
For softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and avoid overmixing the dough.
Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Try dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or a combination for a more varied flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts: The Cookie You’ll Keep Coming Back To
If you’re looking for a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe that delivers every single time, this Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookie recipe is it. It’s rich, chewy, golden, and absolutely bursting with premium chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping a treat for your family, or just want something nostalgic and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes.
What makes these cookies truly shine is how effortlessly they come together, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and that unmistakable Ghirardelli quality taking center stage. Once you try them, they’re bound to become your signature treat.
And if you’re craving more cookie inspiration, check out these other favorites next:
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