These Soft and Chewy Chocolate Cookies are rich, fudgy, and filled with gooey chocolate flavor in every bite. Perfectly textured and packed with chocolate, they’re a dream treat for cookie lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are easy to prepare and stay soft for days. Whether for a holiday cookie tray, snack, or dessert, their deep cocoa flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them irresistible.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter (softened)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips or chunks
Tips by Elsa:
- Use brown sugar for extra chewiness.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Mix chocolate chips into warm dough for gooey centers.
directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips. Chill dough for 30–60 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips by Elsa:
- Slightly underbake for softer centers.
- Press extra chips on top before baking for a bakery look.
Servings and timing
Makes: 18–20 cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch.
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon or espresso powder.
- Stuffed Cookies: Fill with Nutella or caramel.
- Double Chocolate: Use cocoa and melted chocolate in the dough.
- Mint Chocolate: Add peppermint extract or mint chips.
Tips by Elsa:
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Freeze dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, gooey center.
Tips by Elsa:
- Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies soft.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze in balls and bake directly from frozen.
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter may be too soft or dough wasn’t chilled.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce slightly without major texture loss.
How do I get gooey centers?
Underbake by 1–2 minutes and cool on tray.
What cocoa powder is best?
Unsweetened, Dutch-process gives deep color and flavor.
Can I use melted butter?
No, use softened butter for proper texture.
Do I need a mixer?
It helps, but a sturdy whisk and spatula work too.
Can I make them bigger?
Yes, just extend baking time slightly.
Can I skip chocolate chips?
Yes, but they enhance the chocolatey flavor.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they stay soft and pack well.
Conclusion
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Cookies are a foolproof dessert that delivers maximum chocolate flavor and perfect texture. Easy to make and universally loved, they’re a must-have in any home baker’s rotation.