These Joanna Gaines Chocolate Chip Cookies are warm, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. They smell amazing while baking and make the perfect treat for any occasion!
I love how easy they are to whip up—just mix, scoop, and bake! You can even enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a tender cookie. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt by a pinch.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar give the cookies texture and flavor. Light or dark brown sugar works well; dark adds a richer taste. If you’re aiming for less sugar, you can reduce the total sugar by about a third without it affecting the end result too much.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can also be great. For a fun twist, try adding nuts or caramel bits!
Flour: All-purpose flour is key for structure. If you need a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free flour can work, though it may slightly alter the cookie texture.
How Do I Get Chewy Cookies Without Overbaking?
To achieve that perfect chewy texture, be careful with the baking time. Here’s what to do:
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, pulling them out when the edges are a light golden brown and the centers look a bit underbaked.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
- For an even chewier cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and gives a better texture.
Joanna Gaines Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 9 to 11 minutes for baking. Be prepared to spend a little extra time cooling before you can enjoy them fresh from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or spoon to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour, ensuring a good rise.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may become tough.
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Every bite should have some chocolatey goodness!
7. Prepare to Bake:
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake Your Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a little soft. This helps create a chewy texture.
9. Cool and Set:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Serve these delightful cookies with a cold glass of milk, and enjoy the deliciousness you created! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
While margarine can be used in a pinch, using unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. If you decide to use margarine, make sure it’s the stick kind rather than spreadable to maintain the right consistency in the dough.
How Can I Make These Cookies Chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Letting them cool on the baking sheet helps them set without becoming too hard.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Just place layers of cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies. Consider adding nuts, dried fruit, or other types of chocolate chips to enhance the flavor and texture. Just aim for a similar total quantity to avoid changing the dough’s balance.