If you’re a fan of warm, gooey, and soft cookies that melt in your mouth, then this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with rich chocolate chips, perfectly balanced sweetness, and a slightly crispy edge, these cookies have it all. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a special treat for yourself, these chewy cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making perfect Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, offer tips for achieving that perfect texture, and give you creative variations to try. Plus, we’ve included some related recipes you’ll love, all connected by their shared love for delicious, homemade cookies.
Let’s get started with a deep dive into the ingredients, the preparation process, and some tips for the best results.
Why Are These Cookies So Chewy?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out from the crowd. The secret to their chewy texture lies in a few key factors:
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The Perfect Ratio of Butter to Sugar: The combination of unsalted butter and both granulated sugar and brown sugar creates a chewy, moist cookie. Brown sugar, in particular, contributes moisture and helps the cookies stay soft.
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Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is key to achieving the chewy texture you want. If your butter is too cold, the dough will be dense and not spread properly. If it’s too melted, your cookies will be too thin.
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The Right Amount of Flour: Using all-purpose flour in the right proportion helps the cookies maintain their shape without becoming too cakey. We recommend measuring your flour correctly—using a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
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Chilled Dough: Chilling the dough before baking can help control the spread and give you cookies that are thick and chewy.
With these secrets in mind, let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions for these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Ingredients for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This will form the base of the dough.
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become slightly fluffy, while still maintaining their chewiness.
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1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness of the cookies and balances the flavors.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the necessary fat for flavor and texture.
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1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crispness to the cookie edges.
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes to the chewy texture and adds depth to the flavor.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate.
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1 large egg: Binds the dough and helps with the structure.
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1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the recipe! Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a batch of the chewiest, most flavorful chocolate chip cookies.
Instructions: How to Make Perfect Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cookies to perfection—giving them a golden, crispy edge while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick during baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly and ensures the baking soda is activated when mixed into the dough. Set the dry mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the dough, which will help your cookies spread and become chewy as they bake.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. The egg binds everything together, and the vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies. The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now it’s time to add the semisweet chocolate chips. Gently fold them into the dough with a spatula, making sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Scoop the Dough and Bake
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little soft when you first pull them out of the oven.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Making the Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Achieving the perfect Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies requires a bit of finesse. Here are some expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right:
1. Measure Your Ingredients Correctly
Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect texture. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
2. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can make a significant difference in the texture of your cookies. It helps prevent the dough from spreading too much and ensures a thicker, chewier cookie.
3. Use Room Temperature Butter
Butter that’s too cold won’t mix properly, and melted butter can cause your cookies to spread too thin. Allow your butter to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
4. Avoid Overbaking
One of the most common mistakes when baking cookies is overbaking them. The cookies may look underdone when you pull them out, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool. Aim for slightly golden edges and a soft center for the perfect chewy texture.
Nutritional Information for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Each cookie contains approximately:
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Calories: 180 kcal
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Fat: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Protein: 2g
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Sugar: 15g
These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling too guilty. Enjoy in moderation as a treat during your next coffee break or holiday party.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, here are some other delicious cookie recipes to try:
FAQs for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Why are my chocolate chip cookies not chewy?
If your cookies aren’t turning out chewy, it could be due to a few factors. One major issue is the butter temperature. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature and not melted. Additionally, overbaking can cause them to become crispy. Try reducing the baking time slightly and chill your dough before baking to help maintain a chewy texture.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to develop and helps the cookies maintain their chewy texture when baked. If you want to store them for longer, freeze the dough in portions for up to 3 months. Just let the dough thaw before baking.
3. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate chips can be used instead of semisweet chips, and they will provide a more intense chocolate flavor. If you enjoy the bittersweet taste of dark chocolate, this substitution will add an extra layer of richness to your cookies. Just be aware that dark chocolate can be slightly less sweet, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the flour blend you use contains xanthan gum, which helps provide the necessary structure for the cookies. It’s important to use gluten-free certified chocolate chips and ensure no cross-contamination occurs if you’re baking for someone with severe gluten allergies.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s a reason Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless favorite. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness. By following this easy recipe and using the tips provided, you’ll be able to create a batch of cookies that are perfect every time. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get baking. These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become your new go-to cookie recipe for every occasion!
Print
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Perfect Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, delivering soft and gooey centers with a perfectly crisp edge. These cookies are a delightful balance of sweetness and chocolate, ideal for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 large egg
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1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter & Sugars: In another bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until incorporated. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Notes
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For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure the dough is smooth and easy to work with.
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Do not overmix the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for extra chewy cookies.
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For a variation, you can substitute half of the semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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