The BEST Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie, look no further. These cookies are packed with rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips and have a texture that’s soft and chewy on the inside, yet slightly crispy on the outside. What sets this recipe apart is the unique combination of ingredients and techniques that create the perfect balance between chewiness and thickness. The melted butter adds flavor and helps the cookies maintain their perfect texture, while the corn starch ensures that the cookies stay soft and chewy for days.

Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, with no mixer required and a minimal cleanup—just one bowl! If you’ve been on the hunt for a chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe that delivers time and time again, this is it.

Ingredients

• 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 tablespoon corn starch

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled just until opaque

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg, room temperature

• 1 egg yolk, room temperature

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about two minutes until combined.

2. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk to the bowl and whisk until the mixture is light and creamy.

3. Stir in the flour, baking soda, corn starch, and salt until just combined.

4. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

5. Scoop out approximately ¼ cup of cookie dough per cookie and roll it into smooth dough balls using your hands.

6. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or the freezer for 30 minutes.

7. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

8. Place the chilled cookie dough balls about 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicone baking mat.

9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks slightly underbaked.

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cookies

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

While these chewy chocolate chip cookies are perfect on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them:

• Add nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.

• Change the chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.

• Stuffed cookies: Place a square of caramel or peanut butter in the center of each dough ball before baking for a fun twist.

• Flavored dough: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, espresso powder, or orange zest to the dough to create unique variations.

Storage/Reheating

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture.

• For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the bake time.

• To reheat, microwave the cookies for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes to refresh their softness.

FAQs

1. Why are my cookies not chewy?

If your cookies are too crunchy, it might be because you overbaked them or didn't use enough brown sugar. The brown sugar helps add moisture to the cookies, which is key to achieving that chewy texture.

2. Can I use a hand mixer instead of whisking by hand?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer if you prefer, but this recipe is designed to be made easily by hand with just a whisk.

3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough helps prevent excessive spreading and ensures your cookies stay thick and chewy.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if necessary. However, it may affect the overall texture of the cookies.

5. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for storage.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to cook a bit while cooling on the baking sheet.

7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute granulated sugar for white sugar, but it might slightly change the texture. Using a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the best chewiness.

9. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

10. What should I do if my cookies are too soft to remove from the baking sheet?

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up a bit, making them easier to handle.

Conclusion

These chewy chocolate chip cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, soft treat. With their perfect balance of chewiness, thickness, and chocolatey goodness, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's easy to make with simple ingredients and no mixer required! Whether you're making a batch for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, grab your whisk, and get ready to enjoy the best chocolate chip cookies you've ever had!