Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked cookie that is soft inside with melty pockets of chocolate to brighten your day. This Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a personal favorite that delivers that perfect balance of chewy and gooey in every bite. With its rich brown sugar base, just the right amount of corn starch for tenderness, and plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chunks nestled throughout, these cookies are a pure slice of happiness. Whether you are an experienced baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying that sweet craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples that each play a crucial role. From the creamy unsalted butter that adds richness to the brown sugar that provides moisture and depth, every component contributes to the cookie’s irresistible texture and flavor.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds creamy richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Dark brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor for chewy softness.
• White granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and aids in cookie browning.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds moisture and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups, spooned and leveled): Provides the structure needed to hold the gooey goodness.
• Corn starch (3 tablespoons): Keeps cookies soft and tender by inhibiting gluten formation.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift for lightness without puffiness.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Reacts with acids for slight leavening and perfect browning.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chunks (12 ounces): These pockets of melty chocolate are the star of the cookie.

How to Make Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by adding your softened butter alongside the dark brown and white sugars into a large mixing bowl. Cream these together on medium speed with a hand mixer or electric mixer with a paddle attachment until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it dissolves the sugars and incorporates air, which helps your cookies rise just enough.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in your large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix them thoroughly until fully combined to ensure a uniform dough. These ingredients add moisture and a lovely aromatic base that will shine through every bite of your gooey treats.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring your dry ingredients together. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on medium speed. The dough will become thick and slightly dry, a sign that it will hold shape but remain soft inside.

Step 4: Gently Fold in Chocolate Chunks

Add your semi-sweet chocolate chunks and combine gently. Because the dough is dense, you might find it easier to mix by hand to evenly distribute the chocolate without overworking the dough. These gooey chocolate pockets will make the cookie experience unforgettable.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to a scorching 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature helps the cookies develop a golden brown edge while maintaining that scrumptiously gooey center.

Step 6: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures your cookies maintain their perfect shape and texture.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop to measure heaping tablespoons of dough. Place each mound about 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread just enough without merging.

Step 8: Press Extra Chocolate on Top

Feel free to press a few extra chocolate pieces on the top of each cookie before baking. This not only ups the chocolate factor but also makes your cookies look irresistible fresh from the oven.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for only 6 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Timing is everything here since these cookies can quickly go from perfectly gooey to overdone, so remove them promptly!

Step 10: Cool Briefly on the Baking Sheet

Let your cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooldown lets them set just enough to handle without sacrificing their ooey-gooey soul.

Step 11: Enjoy Warm or Reheat

These cookies are at their absolute best when warm. To relive that gooey perfection later, simply pop one in the microwave for about 15 seconds. You’ll have a fresh-baked feel anytime!

How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Consider garnishing your cookies with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking. This little touch creates a delightful contrast that highlights the sweetness and enhances every chocolate bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your gooey chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the warm chocolate, making each bite even more indulgent and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with your favorite nut butter or marshmallow fluff. You can also crumble these cookies over a bowl of yogurt or ice cream for added texture and flavor boost that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep that soft, gooey texture intact, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture balance perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To revive previously baked cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This brings them back to a warm, melty state that tastes just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but if necessary, margarine can be used with some loss of richness, while oil may make the cookies softer but less structured. For the best gooey texture, stick to unsalted butter.

Why is corn starch used in this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Corn starch helps keep the cookies tender and soft by limiting gluten development, resulting in that signature chewy and gooey texture we all love in this recipe.

Can I use only chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips work well, though chunks tend to give larger melty pockets of chocolate. Feel free to customize based on your preference and what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have dark brown sugar?

If you don’t have dark brown sugar, light brown sugar is a great substitute that will still provide moisture and flavor, just with a slightly milder caramel undertone.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about 3 days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is best to maintain quality.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those classic treats that can brighten any day with its soft, luscious texture and rich chocolatey goodness. So gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and share these warm, gooey delights with people you love. You’ll be amazed at just how simple and rewarding the perfect cookie can be.

Print