These big fat chewy chocolate chip cookies are everything you want in a cookie thick, soft, and overflowing with rich chocolate chips. The exterior is slightly crisp, while the interior is wonderfully chewy, creating the perfect bite every time.
Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these cookies offer a comforting, homemade treat that’s sure to please. Whether served warm from the oven or stored for later, they’re a timeless favorite. The combination of buttery dough and gooey chocolate chips makes them irresistible for any cookie lover. Make a batch today and indulge in this classic sweet snack!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips and salt.
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Drop large spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
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Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 235 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
The Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delightful Journey into Cookie Perfection
Few treats evoke the warm nostalgia of homemade baking like a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie. However, when it comes to a cookie that hits all the right notes of texture, flavor, and satisfaction, the Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie stands out as the ultimate indulgence. These cookies are not just any typical batch of chocolate chip cookies they are generously loaded with gooey chocolate chips, boasting a chewy texture, crispy edges, and a big, bold size that makes them even more irresistible. Let’s dive into why this cookie recipe is the favorite of so many, how it evolved, and why it has remained such a beloved classic for generations.
The Origins of Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies have a rich and fascinating history. The invention of the chocolate chip cookie can be traced back to the 1930s, specifically to Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Ruth originally created a recipe for a butter cookie and added chopped-up pieces of semi-sweet chocolate, thinking the chocolate would melt into the dough and create a uniform chocolate flavor. However, the chocolate pieces held their shape and created chunks of chocolate throughout the cookie, leading to what we now know as the chocolate chip cookie.
The success of Ruth’s creation was so great that she eventually sold the recipe to Nestlé in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the chocolate chip cookie is a staple in households across the world, with every baker trying to perfect their own version of this iconic dessert.
Why Big, Fat, Chewy Cookies?
While there are countless variations of chocolate chip cookies, the Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies have gained a special place in our hearts. The perfect cookie, after all, strikes a delicate balance between flavor and texture. Some people love their cookies thin and crispy, while others prefer them soft and gooey. But when it comes to these big, fat cookies, there’s something magical about the combination of a slightly crispy exterior and a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
The appeal of a chewy chocolate chip cookie lies in the texture. When made correctly, the center should be soft and doughy, with just the right amount of resistance when you bite into it. The combination of a tender inside with a satisfying crunch around the edges is what makes the Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies so irresistible. This chewy texture is achieved through a careful balance of ingredients, baking time, and even the dough preparation.
The Secret to That Perfect Chewy Texture
Achieving the ideal chewy texture requires a bit more than just following a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. Several factors play a role in creating that tender, soft interior with the slightly crisp edges that everyone loves:
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Butter vs. Margarine: While many cookie recipes might suggest using margarine or shortening, the key to these chewy cookies is the use of unsalted butter. Butter contributes to the chewy texture by allowing the dough to spread just the right amount during baking.
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Brown Sugar Over White Sugar: Brown sugar is a key ingredient in chewy cookies because it contains molasses, which not only helps retain moisture but also contributes to that characteristic chewy texture. The high moisture content of brown sugar prevents the dough from drying out while baking, resulting in a softer cookie.
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Chilled Dough: While it might seem like an extra step, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) is crucial for the texture. Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, which allows for slower spreading when baked, creating a thicker cookie with a chewy center.
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Eggs and Their Role: Eggs are important in binding the ingredients together, but they also help with the cookie’s texture. The yolks provide richness and moisture, contributing to the chewiness of the cookies, while the whites help the dough hold its shape during baking.
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Flour Balance: Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies, while too little flour can make the dough too soft. The right balance of flour helps create the thick, chewy texture that people crave. Using all-purpose flour ensures the right structure for your cookies.
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Baking Time: Underbaking is crucial when it comes to chewy chocolate chip cookies. While you may be tempted to bake your cookies until they’re golden brown all over, slightly under baking them ensures that the centers remain soft and chewy, even after cooling.
Variations and Personalizations
One of the beauties of the Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie is that it can be customized to suit your preferences. While the classic version is hard to beat, there are numerous variations that can enhance or alter the cookie’s flavor profile. Here are a few ideas to elevate your chewy chocolate chip cookies:
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Different Types of Chocolate: While semisweet chocolate chips are the traditional choice, you can use any type of chocolate to suit your tastes. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate can bring a different flavor to the cookie. For a fun twist, you can even mix different types of chocolate chips in the dough for added variety.
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Add Some Nuts: Walnuts or pecans are popular additions to chocolate chip cookies, offering a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You can chop them coarsely and mix them into the dough for an added layer of texture.
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Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking adds a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the dough and chocolate, enhancing the overall flavor. The salty-sweet combination is truly irresistible.
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Spices and Flavorings: Want to experiment with flavors? A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can give your cookies an unexpected twist. Add a dash of espresso powder for a coffee-flavored boost or try a touch of orange zest for a citrusy note.
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Caramel Bits or Toffee: If you’re a fan of sweet, chewy treats, adding caramel bits or toffee chunks to your cookie dough adds a decadent richness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
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Vegan or Gluten-Free Options: For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify this recipe. Substitute the butter for a vegan butter alternative and use gluten-free flour to create a version that everyone can enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Big Fat Chewy Cookies
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the cookie dough, be sure not to overmix it. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so mix until just combined.
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Use a Cookie Scoop: To achieve evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This will ensure consistent cookie sizes and an even bake.
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Bake in Batches: If you have multiple cookie sheets, be sure to rotate them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. If you have only one baking sheet, it’s better to bake in batches to prevent overcrowding, which could lead to uneven baking.
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Let the Cookies Cool Properly: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set up and prevents them from falling apart.
Why the Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Is Worth Making
What makes these cookies so beloved? For many, it’s the nostalgia of childhood, the comforting smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. But beyond the memories, the Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie is a recipe that delivers consistently delicious results, every time. The chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and satisfying size make it the perfect cookie for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking them for a family treat, a party, or just a personal indulgence, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who bites into them. The recipe is forgiving, allowing for numerous variations, so you can make them just the way you like them.
Conclusion:
The Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of this dessert classic. By striking the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, rich and sweet, it satisfies all of our cookie cravings in one bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply because you love cookies, this recipe will always deliver the perfect result. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of homemade, big, fat, chewy chocolate chip cookies that everyone will love.