These Joanna Gaines Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. They are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a sweet snack anytime!
Every bite feels like a warm hug, and trust me, the smell while baking will make your house feel like home. I love to enjoy them with a glass of cold milk; it’s a classic combo that never gets old!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookies. You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just note that texture may change slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for controlling salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter, which will still provide a lovely texture.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and light-brown sugar adds sweetness and chewiness. If you’re reducing sugar, you might want to use coconut sugar or stevia, but that will change the taste a bit.
Chocolate Chips: I love using a mix of semisweet and bittersweet chips for depth of flavor. You can substitute with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture in cookies can be tricky, but following a few tips can help. The key is in how you mix and bake them. Here’s how:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light, fluffy consistency when mixing.
- Do not overmix once you add the flour; this keeps your cookies tender.
- Monitor baking closely! Ovens can vary, so take them out when edges are golden and centers are still slightly underbaked – they’ll firm up as they cool.
Enjoy baking these delicious treats, and don’t forget to share with friends and family (or keep them all to yourself)!
Joanna Gaines Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or bittersweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus a little cooling time. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to enjoy warm, fresh cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for baking the cookies evenly. While the oven is heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. This helps to incorporate them fully, ensuring the cookies rise properly. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light-brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the salt, pure vanilla extract, and eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. This is where your dough gets that delicious flavor!
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add your flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid making tough cookies. It’s okay if there’s a little flour still visible.
6. Stir in the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold the chocolate chips into your cookie dough until they’re evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens! The more chocolate, the better, right?
7. Form the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball because they will spread while baking.
8. Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center—this will take about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them to set perfectly. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delightful Joanna Gaines Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re best when warm, so pair them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage—happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Ensure it’s a stick margarine, as the spreadable type may contain too much water, affecting your cookies.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar? Can I Substitute It?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but your cookies will be less chewy and will have a different flavor. You can also make a quick substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a little molasses—1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of sugar will work well.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even mix in dried fruit or oats for a different texture. Just be careful not to overload the dough to keep the cookie structure intact.
