If you have a soft spot for cookies that are indulgently thick with a satisfyingly chewy bite, you are in for an absolute treat with this Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies come out perfectly golden on the edges with a tender, molten center that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the warmest, most irresistible aroma. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for cookie cravings, holiday baking, or whenever you want a cozy, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, creating a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and golden color that makes these cookies stand out. From the richness of the butter to the sweetness of the sugars and the rich pockets of melted chocolate chips, each component plays its part perfectly.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the chewiness.
- 3/4 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and helps crisp the cookie edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and add moisture for that perfect texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, making it thick without being cakey.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the dough for a slight lift without puffiness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavors.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient, melty and rich pockets of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Kick off your baking adventure by preheating your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge you love so much.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. This can be done with a hand mixer or by hand if you’re up for it! Creaming not only mixes ingredients but also incorporates air to give you light, fluffy cookie dough with that tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract to seep its warm, fragrant notes into each batch of dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, ensuring your cookies rise just right without any bitter pockets.
Step 5: Mix Dry Into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and prevent them from becoming dense.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips carefully, making sure they’re evenly dispersed so every cookie gets those irresistible blobs of melty chocolate.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded spoonfuls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft and inviting.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling lets them set perfectly, achieving that trademark thick & chewy texture you’re after.
How to Serve Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful on their own, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as soon as they come out of the oven. It creates a magnificent flavor contrast and takes the chocolate and caramel notes to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. The creamy, cool elements contrast beautifully with the cookies’ rich chewiness, creating a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of Nutella, peanut butter, or marshmallow fluff in the middle. Another delightful idea is to gently dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle some crushed nuts or sprinkles while it’s still wet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness. They stay soft and chewy for up to five days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your batch without rush.
Freezing
If you want to stash dough for later, you can freeze individual cookie dough scoops on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you’ll have freshly baked thick & chewy chocolate chip cookies anytime cravings strike. They freeze beautifully for up to two months.
Reheating
Warm your stored cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that soft, melty chocolate chip magic, making each bite feel like it was just baked.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to about a quarter teaspoon to keep the balance right and avoid over-salting your cookies.
What makes these cookies thick and chewy?
The right ratio of brown to white sugar, enough butter, and not over-baking ensures these cookies stay thick and chewy instead of thin and crispy.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with chunks or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped chocolate bars, nuts, or dried fruits make excellent variations, adding texture and personalized flavor.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
While not required, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies spread less and intensify flavors.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, use the right scoop size, and avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies from becoming flat.
Final Thoughts
This Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a true classic that brings warmth and joy with every bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to impress guests or loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with cookies the way I have. Happy baking!
Print
Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Classic thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies with a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and rich semisweet chocolate chips. These cookies feature a soft, chewy center and golden edges, making them an irresistible homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This creates a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate each before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough and ensure chewy cookies.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft, which ensures chewiness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Do not overbake; pulling cookies out slightly underdone enhances chewiness.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
