In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients and cocoa powder, mixing until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto a baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the fridge or freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Customizing the Flavor: For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the dough. You can also mix in chopped nuts or swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies are great served with a glass of milk or paired with ice cream for a cookie sandwich. You can also enjoy them on their own as a treat.
Allergy-Friendly Options: To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For gluten-free cookies, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.