Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a deliciously comforting treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies have been my go-to for years, and they never fail to bring a smile to my face (and those of my friends and family). The thick, cakey texture combined with gooey chocolate chips makes them feel special enough for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering.

What I love most about these cookies is how easy they are to whip up. You can have a batch baking in no time, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Plus, they’re great for sharing—everyone loves a classic chocolate chip cookie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, you’ll be enjoying fresh cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these treats—perfect for after-school snacks or dessert.
• Make-ahead option: You can chill the dough and bake it later, so you always have fresh cookies on hand!
• Delicious flavor: Each bite is full of rich chocolate and a soft, cakey center that just melts in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies is simple with these wholesome ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup milk chocolate chips
• 3 oz dark chocolate bar, chopped

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and make these cookies uniquely yours.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
• Use different chocolates: Experiment with white chocolate chips or even butterscotch for a different taste profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the flours with your favorite gluten-free blend—just ensure it has xanthan gum.

How to Make Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. This step is crucial because mixing the dry ingredients evenly ensures that your cookies rise perfectly and have that lovely texture we all crave.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Creaming these ingredients properly incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful height.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scraping down the bowl as needed helps ensure everything blends evenly. This will give your cookies their rich flavor base!

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; you want tender cookies instead of tough ones.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips gently. This ensures each cookie is packed with melty goodness without breaking up those precious chips.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

For best thickness, refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Chilling helps solidify the fats so that your cookies don’t spread too much during baking.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s ready when your dough is chilled—this ensures even cooking from start to finish.

Step 8: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 9: Scoop Large Dough Balls

Scoop large dough balls (about 1/3 cup each) and place them about 3 inches apart on the sheet. Spacing them out allows room for expansion as they bake!

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked. The slight underbaking will give you that soft center we all adore!

Now you’re ready to enjoy some incredible Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies! Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here), they’re sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few expert tips, you can elevate your bakery-style chocolate chip cookies to new heights!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter, ensuring that your cookies are soft and fluffy.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in those thick and chewy centers we all love!
• Mix Just Until Combined: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you see no flour streaks.
• Scoop Generously: For that bakery-style look, use a large cookie scoop (about 1/3 cup of dough). This not only makes bigger cookies but also gives them that impressive height.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature, so consider using an oven thermometer to ensure yours is accurate. Baking at the right temperature is key for achieving perfectly baked cookies.

How to Serve Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Presenting your freshly baked cookies can be just as enjoyable as baking them! Here are some fun and creative ideas for serving these delicious treats.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies enhances their flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! Serve your cookies with a glass of cold milk—its creaminess complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of these beverages balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a heavenly combination!
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your dessert table while adding vibrant colors and flavors that contrast nicely with the rich cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your bakery-style chocolate chip cookies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or save some for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To warm up frozen cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Can I use only all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour, but the texture won’t be quite as light and fluffy. If you want to mimic cake flour, you can remove 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replace it with cornstarch.

How do I achieve thick Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies?

The key to thick Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies is chilling the dough. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and leads to that deliciously chewy center.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate chips or even add nuts or dried fruits if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the balance of flavors may change slightly.

How long can I store Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies?

You can store these cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and warmth into your kitchen! These Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just treats; they’re a little slice of happiness, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy making them, savoring each bite, and perhaps even creating your own special moments around this delightful recipe. Happy baking!