Name: Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (melted); 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed tightly); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (check for freshness); 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (modify if using salted butter); 1 large Egg (at room temperature); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (or almond extract); 2 cups Semisweet Chocolate (chopped into chunks)

As I pulled the first batch of these Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies from the oven, the warm, rich aroma wrapped around me like a cozy hug. There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade cookie, especially one that strikes that perfect balance of chewy and crispy with delightful pools of melty chocolate. By using melted butter and a mix of granulated and brown sugar, this recipe lets you skip the dough-chilling time, making it a quick and effortless treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only do these cookies promise to please any crowd, but their gooey center paired with crispy edges makes them an irresistible combination for any dessert lover. Ready to indulge in a batch? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering world of chocolatey goodness!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Homemade Comfort: There’s nothing like the warmth of fresh-baked cookies filling your kitchen, instantly uplifting your spirits.

Simplified Process: Using melted butter means no chilling required, streamlining your baking experience while still achieving a professional texture.

Perfect Texture: Enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy edges and a gooey center that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike; they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even just a glass of milk, enhancing the indulgence.

Versatile Variations: You can easily tweak this recipe by swapping semisweet chocolate for dark or adding nuts for an extra crunch, making these cookies uniquely yours.

Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet craving or share with loved ones, these Chocolate Avocado Truffles are a delightful addition as well!

Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ingredients

For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; if using salted butter, reduce added salt.
• Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and depth of flavor; pack tightly for optimal sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and promotes spreading; adjust to taste if preferred.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to cookies; ensure accurate measurements by spooning and leveling.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for rise; always check for freshness to maximize effectiveness.
• Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; modify the amount if using salted butter.
• Large Egg – Binds the mixture and enriches texture; at room temperature is best for even mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm depth of flavor; consider substituting with almond extract for a twist.
For the Chocolate
• Semisweet Chocolate – Provides rich chocolate flavor; chop into chunks for gooey puddles throughout. Aim for chocolate with 40-65% cacao for desirable melting.

These delightful Chocolate Chunk Cookies are ready to take your baking to the next level! Enjoy crafting these easy, scrumptious treats.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the cookies from sticking and helps achieve those lovely crispy edges.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Look for a glossy texture that indicates the sugars are dissolving properly. This step will take about 1-2 minutes. The melted butter adds richness to your Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, whisk in one large egg and the vanilla extract until the mixture is fully mixed and creamy. This should take another minute. The egg acts as a binder, helping to create that delicious chewy texture. You’ll notice the color lightening as the mixture becomes homogenous—this is a good sign!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be slightly sticky but cohesive and ready to hold those delicious chunks of chocolate.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate Chunks
Now it’s time to fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Save a few chunks to place on top of the cookie dough balls for a beautiful finish. This step enhances the chocolatey goodness of your cookies, resulting in gorgeous pools of melted chocolate in the final bake.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a large spoon, scoop approximately 3 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial for allowing the cookies to spread without touching one another. Top each cookie ball with the reserved chocolate chunks for extra flair.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Keep an eye on them towards the end as every oven is different. You want a slightly soft center that will firm up as they cool, giving you that chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to hold their shape and makes them easier to transfer. After cooling slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely and enjoy your delicious Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies!

Chocolate Chunk Cookies Variations

Feel free to make these chocolate chunk cookies your own with these fun and delicious twists!

Dark Chocolate: Swap semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate to intensify the cookie’s rich flavor. A higher cacao percentage will create a more sophisticated profile.
Milk Chocolate: Prefer something sweeter? Use milk chocolate chunks for a creamier, more indulgent treat that melts beautifully. The sweetness will bring out the cookie’s delightful buttery notes.
Nutty Addition: Fold in walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey centers. Toasting the nuts beforehand brings out even more flavor, making each bite richer.
Sea Salt Sprinkles: Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for an elevated sweet-and-salty experience. The contrast enhances the chocolate flavors, making every nibble simply irresistible.
Oatmeal Twist: Mix in some quick oats for a chewy texture and the comforting feel of an oatmeal cookie. They pair nicely with any chocolate, adding heartiness and flavor.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder into the dry ingredients. It creates an exciting flavor contrast that’ll keep your taste buds guessing.
Coconut Love: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. This adds both texture and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the chocolatey goodness.

These suggestions are simple ways to adapt the recipe and create delightful variations. If you’re looking for more inspiration, why not give some Lemon Pistachio Cookies a try? They’re such a refreshing change of pace!

Storage Tips for Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your chocolate chunk cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and chewy.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply bake them directly from the freezer for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will ensure they remain soft with deliciously melted chocolate.

Cooling: If you’ve baked a batch and have leftovers, allow cookies to cool completely before storing to maintain their perfect texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their dessert-making routine! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following these steps: after mixing the ingredients, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the fridge, place the cookie balls on a baking sheet, and bake them directly from the refrigerator for additional 1-2 minutes. This method maintains the cookies’ delightful texture, so they emerge just as delicious and gooey as if freshly made!

What to Serve with Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

Treat yourself to a delightful dessert experience by pairing these cookies with the perfect accompaniments that enhance their rich chocolatey goodness.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold texture contrasts beautifully with warm cookies, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Chocolate Milk: Indulging in a glass of chocolate milk amplifies the sweet, cocoa flavors of the cookies while adding a nostalgic touch to your dessert.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries for a tangy burst that complements the sweetness, introducing a refreshing contrast in flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of decadence that pairs harmoniously with the chocolate chunks.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso balances the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing their rich depth with each bite.
Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a decadent touch that beautifully complements the chewy texture and delicious chocolate of the cookies.

These tempting pairings will elevate your dessert game and transform your chocolate chunk cookie experience into a truly indulgent moment!

Expert Tips for Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Perfectly Measure Flour: Use the spoon and level method to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can make them dry and tough.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, while keeping them light and chewy is key.
Warm Butter Caution: Ensure melted butter isn’t too hot. If it is, it may cook the egg and affect the cookie’s texture.
Cooling Time Importance: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them helps maintain their shape and chewy texture.
Chocolate Quality Matters: Choose semisweet chocolate with 40-65% cacao for ideal melting and flavor balance in your Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

These subtle, yet vital tips will elevate your baking game!

Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe chocolate for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting chocolate for your Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies, opt for semisweet chocolate with 40-65% cacao for optimal melting. It should have a shiny surface and a smooth texture without any white or dull spots, indicating freshness.

How should I store my chocolate chunk cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you plan to keep them for longer, freezing is a great option.

Can I freeze my chocolate chunk cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, first allow them to cool completely. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them into an airtight freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies are too dry or crumbly?
If you find your cookies are dry, it might be due to too much flour. Next time, try using the spoon and level method for measuring; it helps avoid packing in too much flour. Also, be cautious not to overmix the dough. If your mixture is crumbly, adding a small splash of milk can help bring it together without compromising the texture.

Are these cookies safe for my pets?
No, chocolate is toxic to dogs and other pets, so it’s essential to keep these Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies away from them. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider making homemade dog-safe cookies with peanut butter and oats instead.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Very! If you’re looking to make your cookies gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to provide the structure needed for cookies. Always double-check the other ingredients, like baking powder, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.