Martha Stewart's Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe - Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart's Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe - Martha Stewart is a easy American recipe that serves 30. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Martha Stewart on YouTube.
Prep: 24 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $11.60 total, $0.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3 cups Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (regular white sugar)
- 4 Large Eggs (farm‑fresh, room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure, high‑quality)
- 3.5 cups All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (fine sea salt)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda (ensures flat cookies)
- 1.5 cups Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips (best quality, evenly sized)
Instructions
Cream Butter and Sugars
In the mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Time: PT3M
Add Eggs One at a Time
Add the four large eggs, one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
Time: PT2M
Add Vanilla
Stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
Time: PT1M
Sift Dry Ingredients
Using a wire whisk, sift together the all‑purpose flour, salt, and baking soda into a separate bowl.
Time: PT2M
Combine Dry with Wet
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted dry mixture to the butter‑sugar‑egg mixture, scraping the bowl as you go.
Time: PT3M
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Turn the dough out onto a spatula and fold in the chocolate chips until just distributed.
Time: PT1M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Portion Dough
Using a 2 oz ice‑cream scoop, drop three scoops onto each prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 4 inches apart.
Time: PT2M
Bake Cookies
Bake for 11 minutes, rotating the sheet after the first 5 minutes for even browning.
Time: PT11M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool and Store
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before storing.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Plant‑based butter
- Instead of Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Cane sugar
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer, Large eggs from any source
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean (½ tsp), Almond extract (¼ tsp)
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Pastry flour, Whole‑wheat flour (partial)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Baking Soda: Baking powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips: Chopped chocolate, Chocolate chunks
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Wire Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- 2 oz Ice Cream Scoop
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
- Spatula (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cream Butter and Sugars
- Sift Dry Ingredients
- Portion Dough with Ice Cream Scoop
- Bake Cookies (rotate after 5 minutes)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality butter and let it soften naturally rather than microwaving
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking
- If you prefer chewier cookies, bake for 9‑10 minutes; for crispier edges, bake the full 11 minutes
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too thin and become overly flat
Chill the dough for 15‑20 minutes before scooping; ensure butter is not overly soft.
Cookies are underbaked in the center
Extend baking time by 1‑2 minutes or lower oven temperature to 350°F and bake a little longer.
Chocolate chips melt and disappear into the dough
Add chips at the very end and fold gently; use larger chunk‑style chips for better distribution.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Keep in a sealed cookie tin at room temperature for 2‑3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet; transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 extra minutes
- Bake all cookies ahead of time and store in an airtight container; re‑warm briefly in a 300°F oven before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies in American holiday traditions?
These cookies are a family‑passed‑down holiday treat that Martha Stewart’s daughter Alexis helped popularize. In many American homes, brown‑sugar chocolate chip cookies are a staple at Christmas gatherings, symbolizing warmth, generosity, and the joy of sharing homemade sweets during the festive season.
What are the traditional regional variations of brown‑sugar chocolate chip cookies in the United States?
Across the U.S., variations include adding oatmeal for texture, using dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor, or swapping semi‑sweet chips for milk‑chocolate or white‑chocolate pieces. Some Southern versions incorporate a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick, while New England bakers often use melted butter for a chewier crumb.
How are Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies traditionally served in American holiday celebrations?
They are typically served at room temperature on a decorative platter, often paired with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled wine. Many families arrange them in a tiered cookie stand and garnish the platter with sprigs of rosemary or festive ribbons for a polished presentation.
What occasions or celebrations are Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies associated with in American culture?
Besides Christmas, these cookies are popular at Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve parties, birthday gatherings, and casual family get‑togethers. Their thin, crisp edges make them easy to stack and transport, which is why they’re a go‑to treat for potlucks and holiday cookie swaps.
What makes Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies special or unique in American cookie cuisine?
The combination of a full pound of butter with both light brown and white sugars creates a deep caramel flavor while keeping the texture thin and crisp. Using a 2 oz ice‑cream scoop ensures uniform 4‑inch cookies that bake evenly, a technique Martha Stewart emphasizes for professional‑looking results.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, large farm‑fresh eggs, pure vanilla extract, all‑purpose flour, baking soda, and high‑quality semi‑sweet chocolate chips. Acceptable substitutes are margarine for butter, dark brown sugar for light brown, and chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks in place of chips.
What other American dishes pair well with Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies?
These cookies complement classic holiday drinks such as hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, and eggnog. They also pair nicely with a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar, as the sweet‑salty contrast highlights the caramel notes of the cookies.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which can develop gluten and make the cookies tough, and using butter that is too warm, causing excessive spreading. Also, failing to rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking leads to uneven browning.
Why does this recipe use baking soda instead of baking powder for Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the brown sugar, creating carbon dioxide that helps the cookies spread thin and stay flat. Baking powder would add extra lift, resulting in a puffier, cake‑like texture, which is not desired for this thin, crisp cookie style.
What does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart specialize in?
The YouTube channel Martha Stewart focuses on classic American home cooking, seasonal entertaining, and elegant yet approachable recipes for everyday cooks. Martha Stewart’s videos emphasize technique, presentation, and the use of high‑quality ingredients to elevate home‑cooked meals.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
