Name: The BEST Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 24 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 240 g (1 cup) butter, melted; 200 g (1 cup) soft brown sugar; 200 g (1 cup) white sugar; 10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 350 g (2¾ cups) flour; 5 g (1 tsp) baking powder; 3 g (1 tsp) baking soda; 20 g (2 tsp) salt; 300 g (10 oz) chocolate chunks (combination of 70% dark chocolate and milk chocolate, chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 48 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect cookie experience, look no further than The BEST Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe. This recipe delivers rich, buttery dough with generous pockets of melty chocolate chunks that create an irresistible texture and flavor with every bite. It combines simple, everyday ingredients in a way that transforms your kitchen into a haven of warm, sweet comfort, making it a true favorite to bake and share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains light brown cookie dough mixed with large, dark brown chocolate chunks spread throughout the mixture. The dough has a thick and creamy texture with some swirls and ridges. A wooden-handled spatula is inserted into the dough on the right side of the bowl, resting on the white marbled surface underneath. The dough looks soft and freshly mixed, showing a mix of smooth and slightly chunky textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients might seem straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in crafting cookies that are crisp around the edges, chewy in the center, and bursting with chocolatey goodness. The balance between sugars, flour, and fat ensures the perfect crumb, while chocolate chunks bring an indulgent texture and bold flavor.

240 g (1 cup) butter (melted): Butter adds moisture and richness, ensuring your cookies stay tender and flavorful.
200 g (1 cup) soft brown sugar: Brown sugar contributes deep, caramel notes and keeps the cookies chewy.
200 g (1 cup) white sugar: White sugar provides the necessary sweetness and helps create a crisp edge.
10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding warmth and depth.
2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.
350 g (2¾ cups) flour: Flour gives structure so the cookies hold their shape yet remain tender.
5 g (1 tsp) baking powder: Baking powder helps the cookies rise lightly for a soft texture.
3 g (1 tsp) baking soda: Baking soda contributes to the perfect browning and subtle chewiness.
20 g (2 tsp) salt: Salt balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
300 g (10oz) chocolate chunks: Using a mix of 70% dark and milk chocolate chunks creates pockets of melty, bittersweet contrast in each bite.

How to Make The BEST Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Combine Sugars

Start by melting the butter in a large glass mixing bowl. Then add both the soft brown sugar and white sugar to the melted butter. Whisk them together until the mixture feels like wet sand. This process is essential for creating a smooth base that binds the dough perfectly and enhances the cookies’ chewiness.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Stir in the vanilla extract and crack in the eggs. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step introduces moisture and richness that makes the dough luscious and helps the cookies hold their shape once baked.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until they start to come together. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle to maintain that tender crumb.

Step 4: Mix in the Chocolate Chunks

Fold in the chocolate chunks, ensuring you scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to avoid any dry pockets of dough. The chocolate chunks are the star here, creating irresistible gooey ribbons of flavor throughout the cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for perfectly shaped cookies with a richer taste.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

When ready, preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the cookie dough balls spaced apart, since they will spread slightly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are deeply golden and the centers remain soft. You can optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt right after baking to amplify the chocolate’s richness.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving. This brief cooling time lets the centers firm up just enough while retaining that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Now, get ready for some serious cookie bliss!

How to Serve The BEST Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Three large chocolate chip cookies lie on a white marbled textured surface with parchment paper. Each cookie has a rough golden-brown outer edge and a soft center filled with melted dark and milk chocolate chunks. The uneven texture shows bits of chocolate embedded throughout, with some chocolate slightly shiny and melted on top. Small crumbs and chocolate pieces scatter on the parchment paper around the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on warm cookies to bring out the chocolate’s complexity. You could also dust with a small amount of powdered sugar for a sweet finish or add a drizzle of melted caramel on top for a decadent surprise.

Side Dishes

These cookies are heavenly alongside a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For an adult twist, try pairing them with a creamy stout or a hint of spiced liqueur like Baileys for cozy evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cookie presentation stand out by stacking them with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for an impromptu dessert parfait. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with softened vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent ice cream treat perfect for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their softness, add a slice of bread in the container, which helps retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookie dough and baked cookies. Portion the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can be frozen in airtight containers and thawed at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, warm them in a 300℉ (150℃) oven for 5 minutes or microwave them briefly for about 10 seconds. This brings back the melty chocolate goodness and soft texture as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter for margarine or oil?

Butter is key for flavor and texture in this recipe. Using margarine or oil might change the cookie’s structure and taste. For best results, stick with real butter, especially melted as directed.

Why does the recipe call for both baking powder and baking soda?

Each leavening agent plays a unique role: baking soda creates spread and browning, while baking powder helps the cookies rise softly. Together, they produce the ideal texture you want in these cookies.

Is 24 hours of chilling really necessary?

Chilling allows the flavors to develop and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking. While you can bake sooner, the full 24-hour rest significantly improves texture and depth of flavor.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips work well, but chunks provide larger, gooier pockets of chocolate that make this recipe truly exceptional. Using a mix of both can also offer delightful texture variation.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days, maintaining their soft centers and crisp edges beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The BEST Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe, it becomes a go-to comfort recipe you’ll want to bake continuously. The simple ingredients combine to create a truly irresistible cookie experience that’s perfect for sharing (or not)! I encourage you to dive in, enjoy the process, and savor every warm, chocolatey bite.