These gooey chocolate chip cookies are warm, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate bits. They’re perfect for a snack or dessert anytime!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven. I can’t resist having a few right off the tray. Who can, really? 🍪
Making these is super simple! Just mix, scoop, and bake. You’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time—great for sharing (or keeping all for yourself!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookies, giving them structure. You can replace it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Unsalted Butter: Melting the butter helps the cookies achieve a chewy texture. If you’re short on butter, coconut oil works well, though it can slightly alter the flavor.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a deeper flavor. You can use all granulated sugar if you prefer, but the texture will change a bit. Dark brown sugar gives a richer taste.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is classic, but you could use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different twist. Mix it up with nuts or dried fruit if you like!
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Gooey Texture?
The secret is in the baking time! You want to bake the cookies just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Here’s how:
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake—look for a light golden edge and a slightly shiny center.
- Take them out of the oven when they look a bit underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool. This helps maintain that beautiful gooey center!
Enjoying them warm is key to unlocking the gooey experience, so don’t wait too long to dig into your fresh batch!
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12-14 minutes to bake. After baking, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. In total, expect about 30-35 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy those gooey cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the cookies. Set this mix aside for now.
3. Cream the Sugars and Butter:
In a large bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture should be creamy and a little bit fluffy.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s light and creamy, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the dough is just combined; be careful not to overmix. We want to keep it soft and tender!
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now, it’s time to add those wonderful chocolate chips or chunks! Gently fold them into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Scoop and Space:
Scoop generous amounts of dough (about 2 1/2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Look for the edges to be set while the centers remain soft. Remember: underbaking just a bit is what makes them gooey!
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a little while keeping those gooey centers.
10. Dig In!
Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool slightly before enjoying them warm. These gooey cookies are best loved fresh from the oven! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
This recipe yields deliciously soft and gooey cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite! 🍪
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the blend you choose.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking it so it’s easier to scoop.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead, but the cookies may not be as moist. To mimic brown sugar’s flavor, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to create a quick substitute.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
