These gooey chocolate chip cookies are soft, thick, and packed with melty chocolate chips. With a chewy center and slightly crisp edges, they’re the perfect treat for any cookie lover. Best Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies (Soft & Chewy Recipe)

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it delivers bakery-style cookies right from my kitchen. The combination of brown sugar and cornstarch creates an irresistibly chewy texture, while the abundance of chocolate chips ensures every bite is indulgent. Plus, the dough comes together quickly, making it ideal for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¾ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts, if using.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 7 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes approximately 18 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Varieties: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.
Add-Ins: Mix in dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or toffee bits for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.

FAQs

How do I make my cookies chewier?

Using more brown sugar than white sugar and adding cornstarch to the dough helps create a chewier texture. Also, avoid overbaking the cookies; they should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhance their flavor and texture.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies can result from overmixing the dough, not chilling it, or using butter that’s too soft or melted. Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.

How can I keep my cookies soft for longer?

Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft.

Conclusion

These gooey chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, their soft and chewy texture combined with rich chocolate flavor makes them a favorite in any household. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your go-to cookie recipe!