Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
If you have a hankering for the ultimate treat, these Chocolate Chunk Cookies are absolute game changers. They strike the perfect harmony between soft and chewy, with a slight crispness around the edges that gives way to melty pools of rich dark chocolate inside. Every bite feels like a cozy hug, making these cookies not just a dessert but a moment of pure joy you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential — they each play a special role in building the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your Chocolate Chunk Cookies. From the creamy butter that ensures tenderness to the dark chocolate chunks delivering those irresistible gooey bites, every element counts.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base and structure for soft, chewy cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop that lovely slight crisp edge.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Delivers a hint of caramel flavor and chewiness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges.
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk: Adds structure while maintaining softness.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warm, fragrant notes throughout the dough.
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chunks: The star ingredient, offering melty, rich pockets of dark chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This simple blend forms the foundation of your cookie dough, ensuring that your cookies bake evenly and rise just enough to get that perfect texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is key to creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie by incorporating air into the dough.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. The extra egg yolk keeps the cookies exceptionally soft, while the vanilla adds that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle. Then fold in your generous 1 ½ cups of dark chocolate chunks, ensuring every cookie will be packed with melty chocolate.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color but the centers remain soft. Let them cool briefly on the baking rack to set, and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Garnishes
While these cookies are sensational on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can elevate their flavor by enhancing the sweetness and highlighting the deep dark chocolate notes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Chunk Cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo, or try a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent dessert that melts together beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cookies warm on a platter with bowls of whipped cream, fresh berries, and toasted nuts so friends and family can customize their perfect cookie plate. They also make lovely edible gifts stacked neatly with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chocolate Chunk Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. This helps the cookies retain their chewy, soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your cookie dough in advance, freeze the scooped dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the baking time for fresh cookies anytime you like.
Reheating
To revive the decadent gooey center, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a low-heat oven for a few minutes. They’ll come out tasting like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chunks?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make your cookies sweeter and creamier, so choose according to your preference. Dark chocolate provides a richer flavor, but either way, you’ll get delicious melty bites.
Why do I add an extra egg yolk in the recipe?
The extra egg yolk adds moisture and fat, resulting in a softer, chewier cookie without compromising the structure. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Keep in mind the cookies might be a bit denser and less tender, so balance it out accordingly.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading. Also, avoid using too much softened butter; the dough should be firm enough to hold its shape.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With a few adaptations like using plant-based butter, flax eggs, and vegan chocolate chunks, you can easily make vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies that satisfy the same cravings with a compassionate twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft, chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie that melts in your mouth and leaves you smiling. This recipe is a little treasure that brings comfort and happiness every time you bake it. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to cookie for celebrations, quiet evenings, or whenever you just need a sweet pick-me-up. Go on, treat yourself — these cookies are worth every delicious crumb.
