If you’re a cookie lover, then you absolutely must try this Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture that perfect balance of crunchy edges with a soft, chewy center, loaded with just the right amount of mini chocolate chips in every bite. It’s such a classic treat that brings back nostalgic memories and guarantees smiles from the very first bite—whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a homemade snack. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it an accessible recipe while delivering fantastic flavor and texture that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial to achieving the iconic taste and texture of these Famous Amos style cookies. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the mini chocolate chips that add delightful pockets of melty sweetness.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Softened butter ensures the dough creams well with sugars, creating tenderness and richness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds necessary sweetness and helps create the crisp edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth for that chewy middle.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to hold everything together perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies their shape and density.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and ensures the right texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Mini chips disperse beautifully, giving chocolaty bursts in every bite.
How to Make Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to get that easy cleanup. This step sets you up for perfectly baked cookies that won’t lose their shape.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process traps air in the dough, which helps create a tender, airy texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into your creamed mixture until fully combined. The egg binds the dough, while the vanilla adds that unmistakable warm flavor that makes these cookies so inviting.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until the batter comes together. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so keep it gentle.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. This ensures they’re evenly spread throughout the dough, delivering chocolate surprises in every single cookie without them sinking to the bottom.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Roll small portions of dough, about one tablespoon each, into balls. Place them spaced roughly two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Spacing is key to allow cookies to spread out evenly without merging into one.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to turn a perfect golden brown, while the centers still remain slightly soft to retain that chewy texture. Keep an eye on them—the timing might vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest helps them set up nicely without crumbling and ensures you get the perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are fantastic on their own, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before baking for an irresistible sweet-salty combo. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance when serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combo or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn them into an easy dessert. Coffee or hot cocoa also complement the rich chocolate and buttery notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies on a tiered dessert stand to impress guests or create personalized cookie gift bags tied with a pretty ribbon for special occasions. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with creamy peanut butter or Nutella to make mini cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This method preserves their crisp edges and chewy centers, so they taste just as delightful as fresh-baked.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their softness and melty chocolate goodness instantly.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips work just fine, though mini chips melt a bit more evenly throughout the cookie, giving you more consistent chocolate bursts.
Is it okay to substitute margarine for butter?
Butter is preferred for the rich flavor and texture it imparts, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a stick margarine, not spreadable, to maintain the right consistency.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This helps replicate the structure and keeps your cookies moist and delicious.
Can I add nuts to the Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a great crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate chips. Just fold them in along with the chips.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Too much spreading can happen if your butter is too warm or the dough is too thin. Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
Final Thoughts
This Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is truly a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. It’s a straightforward, reliable recipe that delivers those iconic crunchy-yet-chewy cookies you remember with great fondness. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a moment of sweetness just for yourself, these cookies have the power to brighten any day. So grab your ingredients and start baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
Description
Famous Amos Cookies are classic bite-sized chocolate chip cookies known for their rich buttery flavor and perfect balance of sweetness. These homemade cookies are crispy on the edges with a soft, chewy center, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and salt throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and making cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft for the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to finish setting.
Notes
- For softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly; for crispier cookies, bake a bit longer.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with regular size chocolate chips if mini ones are unavailable.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing the dough balls before baking can help maintain shape and improve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American