These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are celebrated for their ultra-soft and chewy texture. The secret lies in using melted butter, a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar, cornstarch, and an extra egg yolk. Notably, this recipe doesn’t require a mixer, making it both simple and delightful to prepare.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks

Directions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until no lumps remain. Whisk in the egg, then the egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips. The dough will be soft; if the chocolate chips don’t adhere well, continue stirring until fully incorporated.
4. Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or up to 3–4 days. Chilling is essential to prevent spreading.
5. Prepare for Baking: Once chilled, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Shape Cookies: Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie, rolling into balls. For thicker cookies, shape the dough balls to be taller rather than wide.
7. Bake: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them appropriately. Bake for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft and undercooked, which is ideal.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information Per serving (1 cookie, based on 20 cookies):

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 2g

The Secret Behind Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

The key to chewy cookies lies in understanding how different ingredients contribute to the texture. Here are the essential elements that make this recipe stand out:

• Melted Butter: Instead of creaming butter and sugar together, using melted butter creates a denser, chewier texture. It allows the flour to absorb moisture, preventing the cookies from becoming too crispy.
• Brown Sugar Over White Sugar: Brown sugar contains more moisture and adds a deeper caramelized flavor. This extra moisture keeps the cookies soft for longer.
• Cornstarch: This unexpected ingredient is crucial in achieving a soft texture. It tenderizes the dough, making the cookies extra thick and chewy.
• Egg Yolk Addition: Adding an extra egg yolk increases the richness of the dough and contributes to its chewiness.
• Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for a few hours before baking helps control the spread of the cookies. This step prevents them from turning into thin, crispy discs and ensures a thicker, chewier bite.

Why These Cookies Are So Popular

Chewy chocolate chip cookies remain one of the most requested homemade treats because they offer a nostalgic and comforting experience. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk or packed as a sweet snack, these cookies are universally loved. Another reason for their popularity is their versatility. This base recipe can be easily adapted to personal preferences. Some bakers add nuts, sea salt, or different types of chocolate, such as dark, white, or even ruby chocolate. Others experiment with stuffing the cookies with caramel, peanut butter, or Nutella for an indulgent twist. Additionally, chewy chocolate chip cookies are perfect for all occasions. Whether baked for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or just an afternoon treat, they never fail to bring joy. Their easy-to-follow recipe makes them an excellent choice for beginner bakers and seasoned professionals alike.

How to Make These Cookies Even Better

Although this recipe is already designed to produce the best chewy cookies, a few extra techniques can elevate them further:

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate you use can make a big difference in flavor. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chop up a premium chocolate bar for a richer taste.
• Experiment with Chilling Time: While the minimum recommended chilling time is 2–3 hours, leaving the dough overnight allows the flavors to develop even more.
• Use a Kitchen Scale: Measuring ingredients by weight instead of volume ensures accuracy and consistency in every batch.
• Slightly Undercook the Cookies: Removing the cookies from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked will help maintain their chewiness once they cool.
• Let the Dough Rest at Room Temperature Before Baking: If the dough has been in the fridge for an extended period, let it soften slightly at room temperature for easier scooping.

Storing and Freezing Tips

One of the best things about chewy chocolate chip cookies is that they stay fresh for days when stored properly. Here’s how to keep them soft and delicious:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps retain moisture.
• Freezing the Dough: If you want freshly baked cookies anytime, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

Chewy chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their soft centers, rich flavor, and slightly crisp edges. This recipe brings out the best qualities in a cookie, making it perfect for all occasions. With the right ingredients and techniques, anyone can achieve bakery-quality cookies at home. Whether you enjoy them plain, experiment with add-ins, or share them with family and friends, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Baking them is more than just following a recipe, it’s about creating moments of comfort and joy.