Bakery-Style Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Bakery-Style Chocolate Chunk Cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with generous pockets of melted chocolate. With their golden edges, soft centers, and rustic appearance, these cookies rival those from your favorite bakery. Perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, they deliver a nostalgic and indulgent experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe creates cookies that are crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside. The large chunks of chocolate melt into rich, satisfying pockets that elevate the cookie to a whole new level. It’s easy to make with pantry staples and does not require any special equipment. Whether for a bake sale, dessert tray, or simple snack, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks
• Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chunks, ensuring even distribution.
7. Scoop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
8. Optionally sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 18 large cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 14 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or peanut butter chips for different flavor profiles.
• Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Mix in shredded coconut or dried fruit for a unique twist.
• For extra richness, chill the dough overnight before baking.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
To reheat, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds for a freshly-baked texture.
Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Yes, chocolate chips work well, but chocolate chunks provide a more decadent, bakery-style result.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Overmixing or using warm dough can cause cookies to spread. Chill the dough to help control spreading.

Can I make smaller cookies?

Yes, reduce the dough size and bake for 9–11 minutes, adjusting based on your oven.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They are ready when the edges are golden, but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, and then store in a bag. Bake from frozen with an extra 1–2 minutes.

What’s the difference between brown and white sugar in cookies?

Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content, while white sugar contributes to crisp edges.

Should the butter be melted or softened?

Use softened butter for best creaming results and to control the spread of the cookies.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chunks for a dairy-free version.

How do I get a bakery-style look?

Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and press a few extra chocolate chunks on top before baking.

Why add sea salt on top?

A touch of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness and gives a gourmet finish to the cookies.

Conclusion

Bakery-Style Chocolate Chunk Cookies offer the perfect homemade alternative to your favorite coffee shop treat. With a chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and that classic golden look, they’re everything a cookie should be. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stashed in the freezer for future cravings, these cookies are bound to become a household favorite.

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