If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate comforting treat, this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will become your new favorite go-to. These cookies boast a luscious chewy center surrounded by slightly crisp edges, filled with melty pockets of rich dark chocolate in every bite. The recipe balances simple pantry staples with a few smart tricks to achieve that deliciously soft texture and deep flavor, making it an irresistible classic for cookie lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are everyday kitchen essentials, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor for your Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. From the browned butter’s warmth to the fresh vanilla’s sweetness, each component builds the ultimate cookie experience.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Melting the butter enhances chewiness and adds a toasty flavor layer.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and caramel notes that keep cookies soft and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with spreading for ideal cookie shape.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and richness to the dough, binding everything perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the cookie’s aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookie’s texture—just enough to create chew without toughness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with gentle rising and contributes to the chewy crumb.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all sweet flavors and balances the chocolate’s richness.
- 1 cup chopped dark chocolate (or any chocolate of your choice): The star ingredient that melts into gooey pockets of pure joy.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A finishing touch that adds a sophisticated flavor contrast when sprinkled on warm cookies.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the melted butter with both brown and granulated sugars in a large bowl or mixer. This mixture creates the base of sweet, buttery goodness. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and glossy—this step ensures your dough is evenly sweet and packed with flavor from the start.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mixing just until combined is key here—the goal is to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough instead of chewy. Once the flour is incorporated, fold in the chopped chocolate evenly throughout, promising gooey chocolate in every single cookie bite.
Step 3: Shape Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into balls roughly 1.5 tablespoons each. This helps you bake uniformly sized cookies that cook evenly, delivering perfect texture in each piece.
Step 4: Chill Dough
Place the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Chilling is a small step that makes a huge difference by firming the dough, which prevents excessive spreading and enhances the chewy texture. If you want, you can freeze the dough for future baking sessions—it freezes beautifully!
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Bake
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Arrange the chilled dough balls on the sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, just until the edges turn golden. The centers will still look soft but will firm up as they cool, giving you that signature chewiness.
Step 6: Finish and Cool
Once out of the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the cookies while they’re still warm if you love a sweet-salty punch. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; this resting time lets them set perfectly without losing that irresistible chewy middle.
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding flaky sea salt just before serving adds a gourmet touch that highlights the deep chocolate flavor and sweetness of these chewy treats. You can also dust with a bit of powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for an extra special presentation.
Side Dishes
These chewy cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your cookies by sandwiching them with a scoop of homemade or store-bought ice cream, or arrange them in a festive jar as a heartfelt gift. Another fun idea is to crumble the cookies over yogurt or pudding for added texture and flavor bursts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delectably chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If preferred, you can also place them in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 5 minutes to restore that delightful chew.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate in this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap dark chocolate for milk, white, or even a mix of your favorites. Each type brings its unique sweetness and texture, so customize to your taste.
Why do my cookies sometimes come out crispy instead of chewy?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause crispiness. Make sure to bake just until edges are golden and centers still look slightly soft, and measure flour correctly—scooping and leveling is best.
Is chilling the dough really necessary?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, which prevents cookies from spreading too much and improves chewiness. It also enhances flavor development, so it’s a step worth not skipping when time allows.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still enjoy a chewy, chocolate-filled treat.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
Use plant-based butter and replace the egg with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes. Also, ensure the chocolate you use doesn’t contain dairy. This way, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing chewiness.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will quickly become a joyful adventure in your baking routine. It’s a reliably delicious way to create warm moments, whether for yourself, family, or friends. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these cookies promise comfort, nostalgia, and a little indulgence in each bite. I can’t wait for you to make these and fall in love with every chewy, chocolatey morsel!
Print
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings (cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Discover how to make chewy chocolate chip cookies with a perfectly soft center and crisp edges. These cookies blend melted butter, brown sugar, and chunks of dark chocolate for an irresistible treat that’s easy to prepare and great for sharing.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dark chocolate (or any chocolate of your choice)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or mixer, combine the melted butter with both brown and granulated sugars. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate evenly throughout the batter.
- Shape Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into approximately 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls for consistent cookie size.
- Chill Dough: Arrange the dough balls on a tray and refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes. This chilling step enhances the cookie texture and flavor. You may also freeze the dough for future use.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow spreading. Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges are golden brown and centers remain slightly undercooked for extra chewiness.
- Finish and Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while still warm if desired. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before serving and enjoying.
Notes
- Chilling the dough not only improves texture but also enhances flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.
- For a different flavor profile, try using milk or semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt on warm cookies balances sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing dough balls allows for quick cookie preparation whenever desired; just bake directly from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.
