Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Comfort Bake! 🍪🍫🤤
Get ready for cookie perfection! These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of classic comfort. With their irresistibly soft and chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and melty pockets of rich chocolate chips, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The addition of cornstarch is the secret to that signature gooey texture, making these cookies simply divine. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a sweet indulgence any time of day, prepare for cookie bliss!
Ingredients:
🍪 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (the foundation of flavor and tenderness)
🍪 ¾ cup packed light brown sugar (for moisture, chewiness, and a hint of molasses)
🍪 ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crisp edges and overall sweetness)
🍪 1 large egg (binding and adding richness)
🍪 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (enhancing all the delicious flavors)
🍪 2 cups all-purpose flour (the structural base)
🍪 2 tablespoons cornstarch (the secret to that incredible gooey center!)
🍪 1 teaspoon baking powder (for a little lift)
🍪 ½ teaspoon baking soda (for spread and chewiness)
🍪 ½ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor)
🍪 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (the star of the show!)
🍪 ½ cup walnut pieces (optional, for a nutty crunch and flavor)
Let’s Bake Some Gooey Goodness!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Success!
Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (180°C). This ensures even baking.
Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars: The Flavor Base
In a large mixing bowl (using an electric mixer is recommended for ease), cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to the cookie’s texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Wonders:
Beat in the large egg until it is fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
Stir in the pure vanilla extract until well combined, adding that classic cookie aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Delights:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch (your secret weapon for gooiness!), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry: Gently Does It!
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (if using an electric mixer) or with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tougher cookies.
Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate and Nuts (Optional):
Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnut pieces (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake to Golden Perfection:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded scoops of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft and underbaked. This is key for achieving that gooey center.
Step 8: Cool and Relish the Gooeyness!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This initial cooling allows them to set up slightly so they don’t break when moved.
Enjoy your incredibly gooey chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or simply on their own! Prepare for a truly delightful treat!
Tips for Ultimate Gooeyness:
Don’t Overbake: This is the most crucial step! The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Take them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft.
Use Softened Butter: Softened butter creams more effectively with the sugars, leading to a better texture.
Cornstarch is Your Friend: Don’t skip the cornstarch! It’s what makes these cookies extra soft and gooey.
Underbake Slightly: Trust your instincts and pull them out when they look almost done but still a little soft in the middle.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For slightly thicker cookies with less spread, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
Variations for Your Cookie Adventure:
Different Chocolate: Experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of different types of chips.
Add Other Mix-Ins: Try adding chopped pecans, macadamia nuts, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Brown Butter: For a richer, nuttier flavor, brown your butter before creaming it with the sugars.
Sea Salt Sprinkle: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the warm cookies enhances the sweetness and chocolate flavor.
These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless classic elevated by the simple addition of cornstarch. Get ready for a truly unforgettable cookie experience – soft, chewy, and bursting with melty chocolate! Enjoy every gooey bite! 🍪🍫🤤