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- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ¾ cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature These ingredients create the base for your cookies. The all-purpose flour gives structure. Baking soda helps them rise, while sea salt enhances flavor. The unsalted butter adds richness, and the mix of sugars brings sweetness. - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) Semi-sweet chocolate chips add that classic chocolate flavor. You can also add nuts for crunch and texture. Both options make these cookies even better. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch Cornstarch plays a key role here. It helps keep cookies soft and chewy. Adding it to the flour mix creates a tender texture. This is what makes these cookies truly special! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature gives you the perfect chewy cookie. As the oven warms, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This step stops the cookies from sticking. In a medium bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk these ingredients well until they blend. This mixture enhances the chewiness of your cookies. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ¾ cup of brown sugar. Mix on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is a light and fluffy texture. This creamy base is key to a great cookie. Next, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to your butter mixture. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. This step ensures a smooth mix. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender. Now, slowly introduce the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Use low speed to combine them, mixing just until blended. Then, carefully fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped nuts if you like. This adds crunch and flavor to your cookies. Scoop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges with soft centers. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, chewy goodness! To get the best chewiness in your cookies, butter temperature matters. Use softened butter, not melted or cold. Softened butter blends better with sugars, creating a fluffy mixture. Mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. This time ensures air gets in, making the cookies rise and stay chewy. Adding cornstarch is another key trick. It holds moisture and gives a soft texture. Use 2 tablespoons in your dry mix. This little change makes a big difference! Every oven is a bit different. Some run hot, while others are cooler. Start with the baking time of 10-12 minutes, but keep an eye on your cookies. Look for golden brown edges and soft centers. If your cookies look too doughy, give them another minute or two. Use an oven thermometer if you can. This tool helps you know your oven's true temperature. Adjust as needed for the best results. Serving your cookies right can elevate the experience. Enjoy them warm, paired with a cold glass of milk. This classic combo is a favorite. Arrange the cookies on a pretty plate. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top. This adds a nice flavor contrast and makes them look fancy. Sharing these cookies will surely impress your friends and family! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For even chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to enhance the flavors and prevents spreading. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can also mix in dark chocolate for a more intense taste. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should look slightly undercooked in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add-ins like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or different types of nuts can add unique flavors and textures to your cookies. {{image_4}} You can have fun with chocolate in these cookies. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, try dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Each type gives a different taste. You can even mix them! If you want something extra special, use white chocolate chips. They add sweetness and a creamy flavor. Want a twist? Add some peppermint chips around the holidays for a festive touch. If you need gluten-free cookies, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Both options keep the cookies moist and tasty. These swaps let everyone enjoy these chewy delights. Get creative with seasonal ingredients! In the fall, add pumpkin spice or chopped apples for a cozy vibe. During summer, toss in some fresh berries for a burst of flavor. You can also make themed cookies for holidays. Use red and green sprinkles at Christmas or heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day. These ideas make your cookie baking even more fun! For short-term storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and keep them soft. If you want to save cookies for longer, use the freezer. You can store them in a zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. To maintain flavor and texture over time, avoid exposing cookies to air. If they start to dry out, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will help keep the cookies moist. Make sure to check the container every few days. Remove the bread if it becomes stale to avoid any off-flavors. Freezing cookie dough is a great way to enjoy fresh cookies anytime. To freeze, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls into a zip-top bag. To bake, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge. Bake as normal, adjusting the time if the dough is cold. Enjoy fresh cookies right from your oven! Chewy cookies come from the right mix of ingredients and baking methods. Here’s how it works: - Butter: Softened butter adds moisture. It helps cookies stay soft. - Brown Sugar: This sugar has more moisture than white sugar. It gives cookies a chewy texture. - Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch keeps cookies tender. It traps moisture and adds chewiness. - Baking Time: Underbaking the cookies a bit leaves the center soft. This chewy center is key! Mix these together, and you get a perfect chewy cookie! Yes, you can make some swaps! Here are common substitutions: - Butter: Use margarine for a dairy-free option. It may change the flavor slightly. - Sugars: You can use all granulated sugar. This makes cookies less chewy but still tasty. - Nuts: Skip nuts if you have nut allergies or don’t like them. The cookies stay chewy without them. - Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chips for milk or dark chocolate chips. This changes the taste but keeps it delicious. Each swap may change the texture a bit, but you’ll still enjoy great cookies! Fresh cookies keep well for about 1 week. Here’s how to store them: - Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container. They stay soft and chewy. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cookies. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just thaw at room temperature. They’ll taste fresh again! Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for chewy cookies. - Baking too hot: If the oven is too hot, cookies may bake too fast. This leads to a hard texture. - Baking too cool: If the oven is too cool, cookies may not spread well. They won’t be as chewy. Keep an eye on them while baking. Look for golden edges and soft centers! This blog post covered the essential ingredients for chewy cookies and the step-by-step process. You learned how to mix dry and wet ingredients and the special role of cornstarch. I shared tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time. Remember, you can adjust flavors and even make dietary swaps. Keep your cookies fresh with proper storage. Now, you’re ready to bake delicious, chewy cookies anyone will love! Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with new flavors!

Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Deliciously chewy chocolate chip cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional - walnuts or pecans work well)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to enhance chewiness)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and cornstarch. Whisk together until well blended, and then set the bowl aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Add the pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture, followed by the eggs, adding them one at a time. Ensure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
  • Gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the mixture is combined—do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
  • Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the chopped nuts, if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
  • Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and drop rounded balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.
  • Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies should have golden brown edges, while the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked.
  • Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Serve the cookies while they're still warm, paired with a cold glass of milk. For a gourmet twist, sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top of each cookie before serving.
Keyword baking, chocolate chip, cookies, dessert