Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. These classic treats evoke memories of warm kitchens and joyful gatherings, yet this particular recipe takes the beloved cookie to a whole new level of indulgence. With a tender crumb, a hint of chewiness, and pockets of melted chocolate chips, these cookies strike a perfect balance between soft and satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your cookie journey, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for that crave-worthy chocolate chip cookie experience.
Why This Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Stands Out
The secret behind these Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the careful combination of ingredients and technique. Unlike traditional recipes that can veer toward crispy edges or cakey interiors, this one uses a blend of melted butter and cornstarch to create a tender, chewy texture that feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced. The use of both an egg and an extra yolk adds richness and moisture, while the miniature semisweet chocolate chips provide bursts of chocolate in every bite without overwhelming the cookie. Plus, the slight addition of cornstarch contributes to that coveted softness that keeps these cookies irresistibly delightful day after day.
The Essentials
- 2 cups (281.25g) all-purpose flour – The foundation for structure and chewiness.
- 1.5 teaspoons cornstarch – Adds a tender, soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 0.75 cup (170.25g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled – Adds richness and moisture.
- 0.75 cup (165g) packed light brown sugar – Provides deep molasses notes and chewiness.
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar – Contributes to sweetness and crisp edges.
- 1 egg, at room temperature – Adds structure and moisture.
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature – Increases richness and chewiness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 1 cup (240g) miniature semisweet chocolate chips – For melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient quantities.
- Electric mixer or whisk: To cream sugars and mix wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients gently without overmixing.
- Baking sheet: A flat surface for baking cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without becoming soggy.
How to Prepare Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed for perfect rise and flavor throughout your Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 2: Combine Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk by hand until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The melted butter gives these cookies their signature chew, so make sure it’s slightly cooled to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the whole egg and extra egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. These add moisture and richness that contribute to the soft texture of the cookies. Mix until fully incorporated but avoid overbeating to keep the dough tender.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently using a spatula just until you no longer see flour. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cookies tough, so a light hand is key for maintaining softness.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Finally, stir in the miniature semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough. These chips melt beautifully when baked, creating pockets of chocolate that enhance every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
For best results, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling firms up the dough, which prevents cookies from spreading too much and helps develop flavors.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop dough onto the sheet using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone. This ensures they remain soft and chewy after cooling.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them finish setting without becoming hard, preserving the chewy texture.
Substitutions by Category
- Flour: You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend of equal quantity for a gluten-free version, but expect slightly different texture.
- Sugars: Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
- Butter: Use a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in the same amount for a non-dairy alternative.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips or chunks work beautifully as substitutes for semisweet chips.
- Eggs: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, chilled) for each egg if you want an egg-free version, though texture may vary.
Learn from These Mistakes
- Using cold butter instead of melted butter will change the texture, leading to cakey cookies rather than chewy ones.
- Overmixing the dough once flour is added can cause tough cookies because of gluten development.
- Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies spreading too thin and losing their soft texture.
- Baking too long dries out the cookies, so pull them out when centers still look slightly underbaked.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once baked, allow your Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies to cool on a wire rack to avoid condensation that could make them soggy. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and softness. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To rewarm, gently microwave a cookie for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven to revive that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why did my cookies spread too much and become thin?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or if you skipped chilling it. Chilling firms up the fat and controls spread. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh and your measuring of flour is accurate—too little flour will cause excess spread.
How can I make my cookies more chewy?
Using melted butter and an extra egg yolk, as this recipe does, helps create chewiness. Also, incorporating cornstarch softens the texture. Avoid overbaking and don’t forget to chill the dough before baking.
What if my cookies are cakey instead of soft and chewy?
Cakey cookies often result from using cold butter or overmixing the dough. Melted butter and gentle mixing keep the texture tender and chewy. Also, stick to the baking time and avoid adding too much flour.
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of miniature ones?
Yes! Regular-sized chips work well but will create larger pockets of chocolate. Miniature chips distribute more evenly and melt more uniformly, which many find preferable for Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Keep Cooking
- Love buttery, soft cookies? Try the Browned Butter Sugar Cookies Vanilla Glaze for a delightful twist.
- For a crunchy and nutty treat, the Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti offers a perfect balance of flavors.
Hungry for More?
If these Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies delight your taste buds, why not experiment with adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast? Or fold in some toasted nuts for a bit of crunch. Cookie recipes are wonderfully versatile, and once you master this base, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite that brings smiles with every bite.
Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly the epitome of comfort food that you can whip up anytime. Their perfect balance of softness, chewiness, and chocolatey goodness make them irresistible. With the tips and techniques shared here, your cookies will come out bakery-quality every time. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the best homemade chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted!
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Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk by hand until smooth and glossy.
- Beat in the whole egg and extra egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated but do not overbeat.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until no flour is visible. Avoid overmixing.
- Stir in the miniature semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour to chill.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Scoop dough about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key to preventing excessive spreading and achieving the perfect chewy texture.
- Use melted butter slightly cooled to avoid cooking eggs and maintain softness.
- Miniature chocolate chips melt more evenly and create better chocolate pockets than regular chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
