Name: Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

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There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie—the kind that melts in my mouth with pockets of melted chocolate and a soft, chewy center. These cookies are everything I crave in a classic treat: comforting, rich, and totally irresistible. Whether it’s for a late-night snack or a weekend baking session, these gooey chocolate chip cookies never fail to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and quick this recipe is, with ingredients I usually already have in my pantry. The result is bakery-style cookies with crispy edges and molten centers. What makes these cookies extra special is the gooey texture that stays soft even after cooling. They’re perfect for dunking in milk, gifting, or enjoying straight from the tray while they’re still warm.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line my baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, I cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
I fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
I scoop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
I bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers look soft and underbaked.
Once out of the oven, I let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: Around 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes mix things up by using dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. For a nutty twist, I add chopped pecans or walnuts. When I’m feeling adventurous, I sprinkle a little espresso powder into the dough for a mocha flavor. A dash of cinnamon also adds a cozy, warm note.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a zip-top bag—either baked or as cookie dough balls. To reheat, I microwave one cookie for about 10–15 seconds to get that gooey texture back.

FAQs

How do I get the gooey center just right?

I make sure not to overbake the cookies. I pull them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Can I chill the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and prevent spreading during baking.

What type of chocolate works best?

I usually go with semi-sweet chips, but high-quality chocolate chunks give an extra decadent texture and flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour and the cookies still come out delicious.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies usually mean the butter was too soft or melted. I make sure it’s just softened, not runny, before creaming with the sugars.

Conclusion

These gooey chocolate chip cookies are a staple in my kitchen. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always hit the spot. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or just treating myself, I can’t go wrong with this sweet, melty classic.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These gooey chocolate chip cookies feature a soft, chewy center with crispy edges and rich pockets of melted chocolate, making them the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
Fold in chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Scoop generous spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them out.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers appear soft and underbaked.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.