The Best Neighbor Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Ever Bake

Nothing beats the classic comfort of a homemade chocolate chip cookie, especially when it’s a recipe beloved by neighbors and friends alike. These cookies strike the perfect balance—crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and packed with just the right amount of chocolate chips.

Whether you’re baking for a gathering, sharing with a friend, or treating yourself to a cozy evening indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them an effortless yet satisfying treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Texture – Crisp edges, soft and chewy centers.
Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and a no-fuss method.
Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by all, from kids to adults.
Customizable – Easily add nuts, different chocolate types, or even a hint of sea salt for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or additional butter for a richer taste)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter & Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, applesauce, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.

Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).

Scoop & Bake

• Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft.

Cool & Enjoy

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for later!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: 110 | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough – If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for even chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate – A good chocolate chip brand makes all the difference in flavor.
• Try Different Mix-ins – Swap out half the chocolate chips for white chocolate, dried fruit, or coconut flakes.
• Adjust for Crispiness – Bake a minute longer for a crispier cookie, or remove earlier for a softer bite.

Why This Recipe Works

• Applesauce Keeps Them Moist – Using applesauce reduces the need for extra butter while maintaining a soft texture.
• Balanced Sweetness – The mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates depth of flavor and the perfect chewiness.
• Classic, Yet Customizable – This base recipe can be tweaked to include your favorite mix-ins, from dark chocolate chunks to a sprinkle of sea salt.

These chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate feel-good treat—easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing. Whether you bake them for neighbors, family, or just yourself, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy with every bite.

So go ahead, grab a glass of milk, and enjoy the best homemade cookies around!