Chocolate Chip Cookies for Camping Adventures

These chocolate chip cookies have been a favorite my whole adult life!

Nothing brings comfort and nostalgia like a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Whether you're on the road or relaxing by the campfire, these cookies are the perfect treat to share with friends or savor with your morning coffee. Food has a way of connecting us to our favorite memories, and these cookies have been part of my life for 25 years. They’re simple, delicious, and ideal for camping adventures.


The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe entered my life early in my marriage, thanks to David Rosengarten, a pioneer on the Food Network. Back then, my husband and I would watch cooking shows together and experiment with recipes on a tight budget.

One of my favorite shows was Taste, where Rosengarten shared recipes and techniques that were both practical and inspiring. When I stumbled across his "Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies" online—a big deal in the early days of the Internet—I knew I had to try them. Over the years, I’ve made small tweaks to the recipe, but it remains a family favorite.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Camping

Some might wonder what cookies have to do with camping. To me, they’re the perfect travel treat. I love baking a batch before we hit the road to enjoy on our journey or share with friends at the campground. Nothing beats the buttery, chocolatey crunch of a homemade cookie, and the sea salt sprinkle I’ve added to this recipe balances the sweetness beautifully. Plus, homemade always beats store-bought when it comes to flavor and freshness.


Start with your ingredients prepped and at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Cookies

This recipe is straightforward, but these tips will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

  1. Start with Room-Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and egg sit out for a couple of hours before mixing.

  2. Sift Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.

  3. Choose Quality Chocolate: Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate works best, but feel free to chop a good-quality chocolate bar for an elevated touch.

  4. Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps create uniform cookies that bake evenly.

  5. Line Your Baking Sheets: Parchment paper or silicone mats make cleanup a breeze.

  6. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Just before baking, sprinkle a little sea salt on top for the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

A Nostalgic Connection

Baking these cookies takes me back to simpler times when my husband and I were first navigating married life. The Internet and the Food Network felt like exciting luxuries then, and finding a recipe like this felt special. It’s a joy to share this tradition with my family now and bring it on our camping adventures.

The dough comes together easily and creates the perfect cookie.  Everything about this recipe is classic comfort.

Make These Cookies for Your Next Adventure

This recipe is perfect for sharing with neighbors at the campground or as a road-trip snack. It’s easy, delicious, and bound to become a favorite in your household, just like it has been in mine.

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)

    • 1 teaspoon baking soda

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

    • 1 cup packed brown sugar

    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)

    • Sea salt for sprinkling

  • Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

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

    3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

    4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

    5. Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt.

    6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Save and Share

Bookmark this page, pin it to your Pinterest board, or download a printable copy to keep on hand. Whether you’re camping, road-tripping, or just craving something sweet at home, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.

Pin this post to your favorite Pinterest Board.

Nothing beats a simple, homemade cookie—and this recipe is at the top of my list. Happy baking!







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