Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of gooey chocolate in every bite. The combination of brown sugar and cornstarch makes the cookies extra thick and chewy. Plus, the use of walnuts adds a delightful crunch, elevating the flavor to perfection. This recipe is incredibly easy, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes or until the edges are golden, but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Swap walnuts for pecans or leave them out entirely. You can also add white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for variety.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
1. How do I make my cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
The secret is the cornstarch and extra brown sugar. Don’t skip the dough chilling step for the best chewy texture.
2. What is the secret to gooey chocolate chip cookies?
Cornstarch is the key! It thickens the dough and creates gooey, thick cookies.
3. How do you keep cookies soft and gooey?
To keep them soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Shape it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
5. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.
6. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor, but semi-sweet is the most common for this recipe.
7. How thick should the dough be?
The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped onto the baking sheet but not too stiff.
8. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Cornstarch is important for the chewy texture. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the results may vary.
9. Can I make these cookies without walnuts?
Yes, you can make them without walnuts or replace them with another nut like pecans or almonds.
10. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can use margarine, but the texture and taste may not be as rich and soft as with butter.
Conclusion
These Best Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies are a true indulgence. With their soft, chewy texture and gooey chocolate chips, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a delicious homemade cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are easy to make and perfect every time.

Best Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. With a simple recipe and the secret ingredient of cornstarch, these cookies are thick, chewy, and irresistible. The addition of walnuts adds a delightful crunch, elevating the flavor to perfection. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies will impress!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add chocolate chips and walnuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 7-9 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add-ins: Swap walnuts for pecans or leave them out entirely. You can also add white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for variety.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.