These gooey chocolate chip cookies are soft, warm, and full of melted chocolate. They are the ultimate treat, perfect for sharing or munching all by yourself!
Honestly, who can resist that gooey goodness? I like to enjoy mine with a tall glass of milk. It’s a classic combo that never gets old! 🍪🥛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is crucial for achieving that rich, gooey texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but the flavor might differ slightly. If you’re dairy-free, consider coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The mix of these sugars gives the cookies their unique sweetness and chew. For a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate is a classic choice, but you can swap it with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie. For a fun twist, try using white chocolate chips or adding nuts for crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Get Gooey Centers?
The key to gooey cookie centers is to watch your baking time carefully. It can be tempting to let them bake longer, but you want to remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, and the centers still look a bit soft. This helps them stay chewy and gooey!
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, which helps them bake evenly.
- If using chilled dough, be aware that they may need an extra minute in the oven.
- Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring. This helps them set without hardening too much.
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’re all set to bake fabulous gooey chocolate chip cookies! Enjoy every bite! 🍪
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips (or large chocolate chunks)
- Coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10–12 minutes to bake. After baking, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Altogether, you’ll need around 40 minutes to enjoy these delicious gooey cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda so your cookies rise perfectly!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks evenly throughout the cookie dough. This is where all that gooey chocolate goodness comes from!
7. Scoop and Place on Baking Sheet:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop dollops of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
8. Sprinkle with Sea Salt (Optional):
If you want an extra burst of flavor, lightly sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop your baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and the centers to look slightly underbaked for that perfect gooey texture.
10. Cool Before Enjoying:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes to set. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely if desired.
11. Enjoy Warm!
Savor your gooey chocolate chip cookies warm for the ultimate chocolate experience. They make a perfect snack or dessert anytime!
This recipe yields deliciously soft, chewy, and gooey cookies full of melted chocolate chips, just like in the image. Happy baking! 🍪
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary slightly, and it’s important to use softened margarine for the right texture.
How Long Should I Chill the Dough?
If you prefer to chill the dough for a bit, about 30 minutes in the refrigerator can help enhance the flavor and prevent spreading. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature for easier scooping before baking!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana. This will help bind the ingredients together, although the texture might be slightly different.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!