These gooey chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate goodness. They’re perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth!
Honestly, who can resist a warm cookie right from the oven? I love to eat these with a glass of milk. It’s like a hug in cookie form! 🥛🍪
Making these cookies is a breeze! Just mix the ingredients, scoop them out, and bake. I promise, you’ll have a delightful treat in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour can work, though it may change texture slightly. I personally find using a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour gives a nice depth of flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter keeps the cookies tender and gooey. If you’re short on butter, you could substitute with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor, or use 3/4 cup of margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugars gives sweetness and chewiness. You can swap white sugar for coconut sugar for a bit of a caramel flavor, or even use maple syrup in a pinch, but reduce the liquid slightly in your other ingredients.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can also use dark chocolate for a richer taste or white chocolate for a sweeter twist. If you want to be healthier, consider using dark chocolate chunks or even adding nuts for crunch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Gooey Center?
The secret to those luscious gooey centers comes down to baking time and technique. Here are some tips to nail it:
- Check your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want the edges to be slightly golden while the center remains soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet. This helps them firm up without losing their gooey texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough! Mix until just combined to keep them tender and light.
- Consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. It helps with the overall structure and enhances flavors!
Remember, everyone’s oven can bake a little differently, so keep an eye on your cookies to avoid overbaking. Enjoy your gooey treats!
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and another 10-12 minutes of baking, plus a little cooling time. In total, you’ll have these gooey cookies ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake your cookies perfectly. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda for a consistent rise. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Combine the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the melted and slightly cooled butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a whisk or a spatula—whatever is easiest for you!
4. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the vanilla extract, the whole egg, and the extra egg yolk to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s light and fluffy; this should take about 1-2 minutes of mixing.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture you set aside earlier. Stir until everything is just combined. Be gentle—you want to avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender!
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
It’s time for the star of the show! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks). Make sure they’re well distributed so that every bite is gooey and chocolatey!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. This gives them room to spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set and golden, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that gooey texture.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
These gooey chocolate chip cookies are irresistible when served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite drink! Happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can easily substitute them with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a unique twist. You can also mix different types for a more complex flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s melted and cooled slightly before mixing it with the sugars to achieve a similar texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer in a zip-top bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavor. Just allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.
