If you have a soft spot for cookies that strike the perfect balance between tender and hefty, then this Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is bound to become your go-to favorite. These cookies are everything you want—a golden outside with just enough crispness to hold their shape, enveloping a luscious, chewy center packed with melty chocolate chips that make every bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a celebration, these thick and chewy cookies bring all the warm, comforting vibes that make homemade cookies so special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these deliciously thick and chewy cookies right depends on using simple, reliable ingredients that work together perfectly. Each one plays a vital role, from the texture-building butter and sugars to the rich chocolate chips that deliver the indulgent flavor punch.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened butter creates that tender crumb and keeps the cookies moist.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup: Packed with molasses, it adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth, essential for chewiness.
- White sugar, 3/4 cup: Gives the cookies a slight crisp edge and helps with spreading.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Brings out the warm flavors and adds sweetness complexity.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups: The sturdy backbone of the cookie dough, supplying the right density.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: Acts as the leavening agent to give a tender rise without puffing the cookies too much.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 2 cups: The star ingredient delivering gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm—the perfect temperature to make sure your cookies bake evenly with golden edges and soft centers.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
Start by creaming together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key to a light, chewy texture that starts with the right base.
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 stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that deliciously warm aroma.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed for consistent texture and flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter and sugar bowl, stirring just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle yet thorough.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough so every scoop guarantees delightful pockets of melty chocolate.
Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet
Drop rounded spoonfuls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Spacing them well prevents cookies from merging together as they bake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for golden edges that signal just the right crispiness while keeping the centers irresistibly soft and chewy.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this resting time lets them firm up just enough before transferring to a wire rack where they cool fully—ready for your first bite.
How to Serve Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to highlight the chocolate’s richness. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic, comforting combination that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board tied with a pretty ribbon for gifting or at parties. Or sandwich two cookies with a generous dollop of peanut butter or Nutella for a decadent treat. The Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe definitely invites creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and chewy for up to five days, perfect for nibbling gradually or impressing visitors.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze baked cookies separated with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months, making it easy to enjoy homemade goodness anytime.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked texture, warm cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes. This will melt chocolate chips and bring back that perfect chewiness you crave.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?
While unsalted butter is ideal for the thick texture and flavor richness, you can swap in margarine or coconut oil, but expect slight differences in taste and chewiness.
Why aren’t my cookies chewy?
Chewiness comes from the right balance of brown sugar and underbaking slightly so edges are set but centers remain soft. Avoid overmixing dough as well, since too much gluten development leads to tough cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, you can keep the texture and taste close to the original, but results may vary depending on the blend’s properties.
What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semisweet chocolate chips provide a perfect balance of sweetness that pairs well with the dough. You can experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
How thick should I scoop the dough?
Using about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie ensures the dough stays thick and doesn’t spread too much, which is key for achieving that signature chewiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe that fills your home with warmth and the promise of delicious moments ahead. These cookies offer a perfect blend of textures and rich flavors that invite you to slow down, savor each bite, and share the joy with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it becomes one of your all-time favorites as well!
Print
Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate classic treat with a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers. Made with a rich blend of brown and white sugars and loaded with semisweet chocolate chips, they’re easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection in just 12 minutes. Perfect for any occasion or a comforting homemade snack.
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 ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking.
- 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, which will help give your cookies a light texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then add the vanilla extract and mix until the batter is uniform and creamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to ensure every cookie is packed with chocolate.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough, about 1.5 tablespoons each, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is properly softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
