Sometimes the best recipes aren’t found in cookbooks—they’re shared across fences, passed down from a friend, or scribbled on a notecard with love. Neighbor Judy’s chocolate chip cookies are exactly that kind of recipe. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips, and they carry the charm of a homemade classic that never goes out of style.
With a tender texture from brown sugar and a balanced sweetness, these cookies are just the right kind of treat to keep in a cookie jar. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake but special enough to share at gatherings.
Ingredients
1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened (salted)
2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 bag semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well blended.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the tops are just touched with golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cookies
For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the hot pan.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help prevent spreading and deepen the flavor.
Try swapping half the semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for variety.
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Serving and Storage
These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, tucked into a lunchbox, or served alongside coffee. For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They also freeze beautifully—either baked or as dough balls—for whenever the craving strikes.
Final Thoughts
Neighbor Judy’s chocolate chip cookies prove that the best recipes are often the ones closest to home. With their rich flavor, chewy texture, and generous chocolate chips, they’re the kind of cookie that brings comfort with every bite. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy the tradition of homemade cookies that feel like a gift from a good neighbor.