Imperial Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked Imperial Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting through the kitchen and for me, are the gold standard.

These cookies blend the nostalgic warmth of a homemade treat with rich, buttery flavor and gooey, semi-sweet chocolate chips in every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is its balance: perfectly crisp edges, a soft and chewy center, and just the right amount of sweetness.

I’ve spent years tweaking and testing Imperial Chocolate Chip Cookies, and this one never fails to impress.

Baking for a special occasion, a cozy weekend, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will hit the spot.

Once you try them, they might just become your new go-to dessert. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!

How To Make Imperial Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 cookies​            

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Electric Mixer Or Whisk
• Measuring Cups And Spoons
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper Or Silicone Baking Mat
• Cooling Rack​

Ingredients

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 10 oz (about 1¾ cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract​

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.​

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.​

3. Add the Egg

Add the egg to the creamed mixture and beat until well combined.​

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.​

5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.​

6. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans.​

7. Portion the Dough

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.​

8. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.​

9. Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.​

Special Notes

Store Imperial Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

For longer storage, freeze the dough in pre-portioned scoops and bake directly from frozen when needed.

This recipe contains dairy and eggs—feel free to use plant-based substitutes for a vegan version without compromising on taste or texture.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 150 kcal

Protein: 2 g

Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 4 g

Carbohydrates: 20 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugars: 15 g

Cholesterol: 20 mg

Sodium: 100 mg​

Serving Suggestions

For the ultimate treat, serve Imperial Chocolate Chip Cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These rich, buttery cookies also pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.

For an elegant dessert option, crumble them over a layered parfait or use them as a base for a decadent cookie sandwich filled with whipped cream or your favorite frosting.

Tips And Variations

Tips  

1. Chill the Dough

Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking enhances flavor and helps prevent spreading for a thicker, chewier cookie.

2. Use High-Quality Chocolate

Upgrade your cookies by using chunks of premium chocolate or a mix of dark and semi-sweet chips for richer taste and texture.

3. Don’t Overbake         

Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to bake on the tray, resulting in a perfect chewy center.

Variations

1. Nutty Delight

Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added crunch and a buttery flavor.

2. Salted Caramel Swirl

Drizzle caramel into the dough before baking and sprinkle lightly with sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.

3. Double Chocolate

Mix cocoa powder into the dough and use white chocolate chips for a rich, brownie-like cookie with a delicious contrast.

Conclusion

Imperial Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a comforting classic that brings joy with every bite.

With their buttery richness, gooey chocolate chips, and soft, chewy texture, these cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia.

Sharing them with loved ones or sneaking one warm from the tray, they always satisfy. I’ve put my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it’s one you’ll come back to time and time again.

So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking cookies that taste as good as they look. Happy baking—and don’t forget to save a few for yourself!