These white chocolate chip cookies are pure buttery bliss—soft in the center, lightly golden on the edges, and absolutely loaded with sweet, creamy white chocolate chips. They’re the kind of cookie you whip up when you want something a little extra special but still incredibly easy. Whether you keep them simple or stir in macadamia nuts or dried cranberries for a flavor twist, trust me—these cookies are next-level delicious. Perfect for holiday trays, bake sales, or just a little “treat yourself” moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Chewy Perfection: Baked just until the edges are golden and the centers are barely set for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- White Chocolate Heaven: Creamy, sweet chips in every bite—these are a dream for white chocolate lovers.
- Totally Customizable: Add macadamia nuts for crunch or dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Simple Pantry Staples: No fancy ingredients—just classic cookie goodness made better.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake up these irresistible white chocolate chip cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives the cookies structure.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: A combo that creates just the right amount of rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy creaming and rich flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramelly sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and crisp edges.
- Egg + Egg Yolk: The yolk adds extra richness and chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract: For warm, comforting flavor in every bite.
- White Chocolate Chips: The star of the show—sweet, melty, and oh-so-creamy.
- Optional Add-ins: Chopped macadamia nuts or dried cranberries bring texture and extra flavor if you want to mix things up.
For full measurements, check out the recipe card right below this article!
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside while you move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and dreamy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Egg, Yolk, and Vanilla
Mix in the egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cookies tender!
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the white chocolate chips. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in those macadamia nuts or dried cranberries now too.
Step 7: Scoop and Space
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and centers that still look a little soft—that’s the secret to chewy cookies!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. They’ll firm up as they cool… if you can wait that long.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temp Butter is Key: It creams better with sugar, giving you that light and fluffy base.
- Don’t Skip the Extra Yolk: It adds richness and helps create that chewy center.
- Underbake for the Win: Trust the process—slightly underbaked centers = soft and gooey cookies.
- Chill for Thicker Cookies: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes for even thicker, puffier cookies.
How to Serve
- Classic and Simple: Serve with a tall glass of cold milk (cookie dunking = mandatory).
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies for a dreamy dessert.
- Holiday Platter Star: Add these to your holiday cookie tray—they’ll disappear first, guaranteed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Pop a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft!
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Perfect for cookie emergencies.
Reheating
Warm cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the bake time.
Why do I need an extra egg yolk?
That little bit of richness adds extra chewiness and helps create that perfect soft center we all love.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white?
You sure can! Swap in any kind of chips you love, or mix them up for a fun twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for light golden edges and slightly underbaked centers. They’ll finish setting as they cool—don’t worry!

White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups white chocolate chips divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips, reserving some for topping if desired.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.