1. Cream the Butter & Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs & Vanilla
- Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in Chocolate
- Stir in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
5. Scoop & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden but centers still soft.
6. Cool & Enjoy
- Let cookies rest on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Cookies
- For extra gooey cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the tray.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
- Use a mix of chocolate chips and chunks for texture.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.
- Pack in tins or jars for thoughtful gifts.
Final Thought
Neighbor Judy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t just cookies — they’re a memory, a comfort, and a tradition worth keeping alive. With their soft centers, golden edges, and irresistible chocolate pockets, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again, just like Judy did.