There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, instantly elevating your mood and sparking joy. That was my experience when I first made these Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies—a delightful fusion of soft, gooey centers and rich chocolate chunks, all packed into a generously sized treat. And the best part? You don’t have to wait! With no chilling required, you can satisfy those cookie cravings in no time.
Perfectly suited for everything from cozy family dinners to impromptu gatherings, these cookies will transport you back to your favorite childhood bake shop. They are generous in size, loaded with melty chocolate, and complemented by the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glass of cold milk or turn them into indulgent ice cream sandwiches, every bite is a nostalgic journey. Let’s dive into this simple, yet irresistible recipe that promises to impress your loved ones—get ready for your new go-to cookie!
Why are Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible?
Unmatched flavor: The combination of rich chocolate chunks and crunchy walnuts makes these cookies a true delight.
Quick and easy: With no chilling time, you can whip up a batch in no time, perfect for those sudden sweet cravings.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the nuts or try gluten-free flour alternatives to suit your dietary needs.
Nostalgic treat: These cookies evoke memories of childhood bakeshops, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.
Perfect for sharing: Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, they’re big enough to share but tempting enough to keep for yourself.
Try pairing them with a glass of milk or turning them into cookie ice cream sandwiches for an extra indulgence!
Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
Dive into the world of baking with these Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies! Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor and texture.
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Cornstarch – Adds thickness, resulting in beautifully soft cookies.
- Baking powder – Helps achieve a light and airy texture when combined with baking soda.
- Baking soda – Ensures the cookies rise properly by reacting with the acids in the dough.
- Sea salt – Balances sweetness while enhancing overall flavors.
- Butter (softened) – Creates a rich base; make sure it’s softened but not melted for ideal thickness.
- Brown sugar (packed) – Contributes moisture and deep flavor; essential for gooey cookies.
- Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness; feel free to substitute with organic sugar if preferred.
- Eggs – Binds the ingredients together and helps create that chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth; a baker’s secret for flavor enhancement.
- Walnuts (chopped) – Offers delightful crunch; switch to almonds or omit for nut-free options.
- Semisweet chocolate chips – The heart of the cookie, delivering rich chocolatey goodness.
Embrace your baking adventure and let these ingredients guide you to cookie bliss!
How to Make Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures perfectly baked cookies with minimal clean-up!
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Whisk together the dry ingredients: in a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Mix until well combined for even distribution of the leavening agents.
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Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for a light cookie texture.
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Add the eggs one at a time: Incorporate each egg fully into the butter-sugar mix before adding the next, and then stir in the vanilla extract. This keeps the dough light and airy!
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Combine the dry ingredients: Gradually add the whisked dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this will keep your cookies fluffy.
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Fold in the stars: Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for that fully loaded cookie experience.
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Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop, form large mounds of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart for even baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps them set and enhances that gooey inside.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the cookies’ gooey texture, ensure the dough is well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before popping it in the oven. This way, you can enjoy warm, fresh cookies any day of the week, with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Measure Accurately: Use the spoon and level method for flour; proper measuring ensures your cookies maintain their ideal soft and gooey texture.
- Butter Softness Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps create the perfect thick cookie shape and texture.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies instead of the soft centers you desire.
- Temperature Awareness: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; every oven is different, and overbaking can lead to a less-than-ideal result.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap walnuts for your favorite nuts or chocolate chips; this is your chance to make these Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies uniquely yours!
How to Store and Freeze Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready to satisfy your cravings.
Fridge: If you prefer your cookies chilled, place them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. This way, you can bake fresh cookies on demand—simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will restore that gooey, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture that makes the Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies so irresistible.
Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Embrace your creativity in the kitchen by personalizing these delightful cookies with a few easy tweaks!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously adaptable cookie experience.
- Nut-Free: Omit walnuts entirely or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a crunchy alternative without the nuts.
- Chocolate Boost: Use a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist, especially delightful during the winter months.
- Flavorful Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced aroma that complements the chocolate.
- Fruit Infusion: Fold in dried cranberries or cherries along with the chocolate chips for a sweet and tangy surprise.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top the baked cookies with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an indulgent finish that’s sure to impress.
- Chewy Surprise: Swap out the granulated sugar for brown sugar only to enhance the chewiness and depth of flavor in these cookies.
Every variation is a chance to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours—happy baking!
What to Serve with Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Indulging in giant, gooey chocolate chip cookies creates a delicious craving for the perfect pairings to complete the experience.
- Cold Milk: A classic companion, the creaminess of chilled milk complements the rich chocolate and soft texture beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Transform your cookies into indulgent ice cream sandwiches, layering velvety vanilla inside two fresh-baked cookies.
- Coffee: The warmth and slight bitterness of a good brew balances the sweetness, making for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Fresh Strawberries: Their juicy freshness cuts through the richness, adding a delightful contrast to every sweet bite.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over warm cookies for an extra touch of decadence, enhancing the flavor profile with sublime sweetness and a hint of salt.
- Chocolate Sauce: For true chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds layers of richness that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Chopped Nuts: Serve with a side of mixed chopped nuts for an added crunch, creating a satisfying texture contrast with the chewy cookie.
- Tea: Enjoy with a warming cup of herbal or chai tea, providing a soothing complement to those decadent cookies.
With these delightful accompaniments, your cookie experience will be a comforting journey filled with flavor and nostalgia!
Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for the Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best cookies, ensure your butter is softened but not melted to create that thick texture. When picking eggs, look for ones with clean, intact shells. And if you’re adding nuts, choose walnuts that are crunchy and fresh—avoid any with dark spots or an off smell.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This prevents them from becoming dry, allowing you to enjoy their soft, gooey goodness for days!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very! You can freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
No worries! If your cookies spread excessively, you may be using melted butter instead of softened butter. Next time, ensure your butter is at room temperature. Additionally, lightening your oven temperature by 25°F for a slightly longer baking time can help achieve the perfect shape!
Are there any dietary considerations for the ingredients?
Certainly! If you’re looking to accommodate specific dietary needs, consider using gluten-free flour alternatives like almond flour, though be prepared for slight texture changes. If making these cookies for pets or individuals with allergies, ensure to omit nuts or chocolate entirely, and opt for allergy-friendly ingredients.
Can I customize the nuts or types of chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free cookie! You can also experiment with white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or even dark chocolate for a different flavor profile, making your Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies uniquely yours!
Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies You'll Ever Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Cream the butter and sugars until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the whisked dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts gently.
- Scoop large mounds of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.