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Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Easy 7-Step Guide to Gooey Centers

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These thick chocolate chip cookies feature golden, crackled tops and irresistibly gooey centers. Quick to make and perfect for any occasion, they deliver nostalgic comfort with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional)
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients. Let butter and eggs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate. If using, fold in toasted walnuts or pecans. Press a few chocolate chunks into the center of each dough ball for extra gooeyness.
  7. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets (about 3 tablespoons per cookie), spacing 2 inches apart. Chill dough balls in the fridge for 30-45 minutes or freezer for 15 minutes.
  8. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until edges are set and tops are lightly golden but centers still look soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Chilling the dough is key for thick, gooey centers. For extra-thick cookies, stack two scoops of dough. Use high-quality chocolate for best results. Cookies may look underbaked when removed from the oven but will set as they cool. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 blend; for dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and chocolate chips.

Nutrition

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