The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies (Made Even Better with Watkins Vanilla)

    If there's one aroma that can transport us straight back to a simpler, sweeter time, it's the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the kitchen. Soft, chewy, golden cookies packed with melty chocolate chips and that rich, nostalgic flavor—we're talking pure comfort in every bite.

But what if we told you there's a simple secret ingredient that elevates this timeless classic to a new level of deliciousness? Meet the unsung hero of the baking world: Watkins All Natural Original Baking Vanilla®. Since 1868, Watkins has been crafting award-winning extracts, and their original vanilla is the very soul of this recipe.

Let's dive into a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug from history, updated just a smidge to deliver a perfectly soft texture and unforgettable flavor.

Why Watkins Vanilla Makes All the Difference

Watkins All Natural Original Baking Vanilla® isn't your average vanilla extract. Made with the finest Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans, this vanilla delivers an exceptionally smooth, rich, and creamy flavor. Unlike synthetic extracts, Watkins vanilla is alcohol-free, non-GMO, and made with all-natural ingredients.

So what does that mean for your cookies?

• Richer flavor: The natural complexity of Watkins vanilla deepens the sweetness of brown sugar and enhances the chocolate.

• Aromatic magic: That nostalgic smell of baking? It's elevated to bakery-level perfection.

• Balanced sweetness: It softens the edge of the sugars, blending every ingredient into a harmonious whole.

In short: your cookies won't just taste homemade, they'll taste like your childhood's greatest hits.

Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe (Watkins Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp Watkins All Natural Original Baking Vanilla®

• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, mix melted butter with brown and white sugars until smooth.

4. Beat in the Watkins vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until the mixture is light and creamy.

5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Don't overmix.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help the cookies stay thick and chewy.

8. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets.

9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear just set.

10. Cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Baking the Softest Cookies

• Use melted butter: It gives these cookies their soft, almost fudgy center.

• Chill the dough: Even 30 minutes makes a difference in texture and thickness.

• Don't overbake: Pull them out when the centers are just barely set. They'll finish cooking on the sheet.

• Measure your flour properly: Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for best results.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These cookies aren't just a treat—they're a tradition. They're the perfect after-school snack, rainy day bake, holiday go-to, or late-night indulgence. And when you use Watkins Vanilla, you're adding a layer of authentic flavor that elevates the whole experience.

From the first whiff to the last crumb, this recipe is all about creating simple joy in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and let the sweet memories begin.

Because great cookies start with great vanilla, and Watkins has been delivering that since long before TikTok trends or fancy mixers.

Happy baking! 🍪

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.