Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made with melted butter, brown sugar, and high-quality chocolate chips deliver a thick, gooey texture every time. Perfect for baking at home, this easy cookie recipe uses all-purpose flour, egg yolk, and a hint of vanilla for rich flavor. Chilling the dough ensures cookies that don’t spread too much while baking. Ideal for dessert lovers looking for bakery-style cookies with crisp edges and soft centers. Great for freezing, batch baking, or making ahead for parties, lunchboxes, or homemade gifts.

These chocolate chip cookies are thick, soft, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. Made with simple pantry staples, a mix of brown and white sugar, and chilled dough for the perfect texture, these cookies come out beautifully golden with irresistibly gooey centers.

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Ingredients

• 280 g (2⅓ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1½ tsp cornflour
• ½ tsp salt
• 170 g (¾ cup + 1 tsp) unsalted butter, almost fully melted
• 150 g (¾ cup) light brown muscovado sugar
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste
• 180 g (1 cup + 1 tbsp) good-quality chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornflour, and salt. Set aside.

2. Mix the wet ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the almost-melted butter with the brown and granulated sugars until smooth and well combined.

3. Add eggs and vanilla:
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk again until fully incorporated.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until a dough forms.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips:
Stir in the chocolate chips, reserving 1 tablespoon to press on top of the cookies after baking.

6. Chill the dough:
Cover the bowl with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

7. Preheat the oven:
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) fan and line 3 baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats.

8. Shape the cookies:
Scoop out heaped tablespoons of dough (about 55 g / 2 oz each for even sizing) and roll into balls. Place on the trays, spacing them well apart (6–7 per tray).

9. Bake:
Bake for 10–13 minutes, depending on your preferred texture—less time for soft and chewy, more for crisp edges.

10. Finish and cool:
While still hot, gently press the reserved chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies. Let cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips

• Use nearly melted butter for the perfect chewy texture without greasy cookies.
• Chilling the dough is crucial—it prevents excess spreading and enhances flavor.
• Weigh your dough balls for evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
• Don’t overbake: Cookies will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the oven.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Chocolate options: Swap semi-sweet chips for dark, white, or milk chocolate.
• Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, caramel bits, or dried fruit.
• Brown butter twist: Use browned butter for deeper flavor (let it cool before using).
• Egg-free version: Replace egg and yolk with 3 tbsp of yogurt or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

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FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Roll into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Why do I need to chill the dough?
It allows the flour to hydrate and the butter to solidify, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies with richer flavor.

How do I store baked cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well once baked.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
• Turn them into ice cream sandwiches.
• Crumble over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick, soft, bakery-style cookies with gooey centers.
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for freezing or make-ahead baking.
• Customizable with endless flavor combinations.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all occasions.