Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies | Soft, Thick & Delicious

Name: Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 and 1/4 cups (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Chocolate chip cookies, in particular, evoke feelings of nostalgia, cozy family moments, and irresistible indulgence. The best part? This recipe for chewy chocolate chip cookies is not only simple but will reward you with thick, soft cookies overflowing with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. Grab your apron and prepare to impress everyone with a batch of these delightful treats!

Why Make This Recipe

These cookies strike that perfect balance between softness and chewiness, guaranteeing a delightful texture in every bite.
Loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, they fulfill every chocoholic’s dreams while still retaining the essence of a classic cookie.

Whether you are baking for a sweet tooth or looking to relive the joys of childhood with every delicious morsel, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Making Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies at Home

Let’s dive right into the delectable world of cookie creation! The thrill of baking lies not just in the final product, but in the process of crafting something extraordinary from simple ingredients. Below is a detailed guide to ensure you create cookie perfection with ease.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these heavenly chewy chocolate chip cookies:

2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled for 5 minutes
3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 and 1/4 cups (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This step ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your flour, which is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The melted butter adds richness to the cookies, while the sugar combination creates a perfect sweetness balance.
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar mixture is smooth, add in the egg and egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined, ensuring that the eggs are well-incorporated.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of your dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently stir to combine until a soft and shiny dough forms. Don’t overmix; you want the dough to retain its wonderful texture.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part—gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. You may find it’s hard to resist eating a few chocolate chips at this point; go ahead and indulge!
Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 2 hours or even overnight. Chilling the dough helps to deepen the flavors and allows the cookies to maintain their shape while baking, resulting in that thick and chewy texture we all love.
Preheat the Oven
Once your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or two heaping tablespoons, scoop the dough and form it into tall, rough balls.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 3 inches between each cookie. This spacing is crucial, as you want to give them room to spread without touching.
Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 13–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown with soft centers. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period allows them to firm up a bit, ensuring they stay chewy in the center.
Finishing Touch
While the cookies are still warm, you can press a few extra chocolate chips on top for that extra touch of indulgence.

Keeping Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Fresh

When it comes to cookie storage, you’ll want to ensure that your luscious chocolate chip cookies stay as fresh and chewy as possible. Here are some handy tips:

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming dry.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for longer freshness; they should last about a week in the fridge at 40°F.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy once more.

Serve It Up Right with Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving your chocolate chip cookies can be just as exciting as making them! Here are several fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience:

Classic with Milk: Serve warm cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. There’s nothing more comforting than dipping a cookie in milk, allowing the chocolate to melt slightly.
A La Mode: Create a decadent dessert by serving warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with hot fudge.
Cookie Sandwiches: Make refreshing cookie sandwiches by spreading your favorite frosting or whipped cream between two cookies.
S’mores Style: Take it to the next level and open up a world of flavor by sandwiching marshmallows and chocolate between two cookies and placing them under a broiler for a minute.

Pro Tips to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the ultimate chewy chocolate chip cookies can be an art form. Here are some included nuggets of wisdom that will make your baking experience even more delightful:

Don’t Skip Chilling: Always chill your dough for the best thickness and chewiness.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps to keep the batter emulsified and mixes more thoroughly.
Experiment with Chocolate: Try mixing different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or white—together for a richer flavor profile.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Baking powder, baking soda, and flour can lose potency over time, so always use fresh ones for optimal results.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re interested in swapping things up while staying true to the classic chewy chocolate chip cookie style, consider these delicious variations:

Nutty Goodness: Fold in some walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the chocolate.
Healthier Twist: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar slightly without jeopardizing the taste.

FAQs About Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking.

Q: Can I use different types of sugar?

A: While brown sugar is recommended for its moisture, you can substitute with coconut sugar or even a sugar alternative, but it may slightly alter the chewiness factor.

What if I want a crispy cookie?
You can achieve a crispier cookie by reducing the butter slightly and baking for a longer time. Adjusting your flour-to-sugar ratio can also help.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You may omit cornstarch or replace it with an equal amount of flour in a pinch, although it may change the cookie texture slightly.

Embrace the wonderful chaos of baking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and serving ideas. Biting into a chewy chocolate chip cookie isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about savoring joy, warmth, and nostalgia. Make these cookies, share them with loved ones, and watch the smiles unfold. Happy baking!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies