Forever Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pantry Staple Ingredients

Basic items are all you’ll need for this recipe. In fact, you’ll likely be able to get started without even needing to run to the store! 

• All-Purpose Flour – To make your cookies gluten-free, swap it out with a 1:1 gluten-free flour alternative.  
• Baking Soda – This is crucial to achieving tender chewy perfection. 
• Salt – Used to enhance the natural flavor of the rest of the ingredients. 
• Salted Butter – Creamed and mixed into the dough for a rich taste.  
• Sugar – After countless tests, we found that brown sugar works best to lock in moisture and keep your cookies soft. 
• Eggs – You’ll need one egg and a separate egg yolk to add structure and extra chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract – If you can, opt for 100% pure vanilla extract to deepen the flavor of the cookies. 
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate – Use chocolate chips or morsels in the dough and sprinkled on top for a classic taste. 

The Secrets to Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to cookie making, the key to a chewy texture is largely in the ingredients used. For instance, white sugar has less moisture than brown which would dry out the dough; thus, we use all brown sugar only. In addition, adding one extra egg yolk, without the egg white, increases the moisture content – the extra fat creates a chewier texture. 

The second largest contributor is the technique used to create and bake the cookies. To begin, you’ll want to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Over-mixing will activate the gluten, creating a tough texture.

The other important piece here is using cold butter, not softened butter – you’ll beat that cold butter all by itself for a whole 2 minutes before adding anything else. Then, you’ll want to make sure your dough is slightly chilled and easy to work with. This helps the fat distribute evenly as it bakes, creating tender layers in the cookies. 

Lastly, Removing the cookies from the oven just as they turn golden brown allows them to finish baking as they cool and ensures they do not overcook and dry out. Over-baked cookies are a big culprit for dry cookies that lack a chewy texture.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baked Cookies: It’s almost impossible not to devour these cookies right away. However, if you happen to have leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, freeze your baked chewy chocolate chip cookies for up to 3 months. 

Cooke Dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, store it covered in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Or, roll it into balls, and freeze them for up to 3 months.