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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Add Vanilla

    Stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Sift Dry Ingredients

    Using a wire whisk, sift together the all‑purpose flour, salt, and baking soda into a separate bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  5. 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

  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips

    Turn the dough out onto a spatula and fold in the chocolate chips until just distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. 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

  9. Bake Cookies

    Bake for 11 minutes, rotating the sheet after the first 5 minutes for even browning.

    Time: PT11M

    Temperature: 375°F

  10. 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

Last updated: March 17, 2026

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Martha Stewart's Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe - Martha Stewart

Recipe by Martha Stewart

Thin, buttery brown‑sugar chocolate chip cookies that are a holiday favorite in the Stewart household. Made with a pound of butter, light brown sugar, and plenty of chocolate chips, these 4‑inch cookies bake up in just 11 minutes and are perfect for Christmas gatherings or any celebration.

EasyAmericanServes 30

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.60
Total cost
$0.39
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream Butter and Sugars
  • Sift Dry Ingredients
  • Portion Dough with Ice Cream Scoop
  • Bake Cookies (rotate after 5 minutes)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Raw eggs can carry salmonella; ensure they are fully incorporated and the cookies bake through
  • Do not leave the oven unattended while baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies in American holiday traditions?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of brown‑sugar chocolate chip cookies in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How are Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies traditionally served in American holiday celebrations?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies special or unique in American cookie cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use baking soda instead of baking powder for Alexis's Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart specialize in?

A

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.

channel

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