Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy–Medium

There’s something magical about a bakery-style chocolate chip cookie—the kind that’s so thick it stands tall on the baking sheet, with golden edges, a soft and gooey center, and melty chocolate in every single bite. These cookies are generously sized, deeply flavorful, and truly feel like something you’d buy warm from a boutique bakery.

This recipe recreates that experience at home, giving you sky-high cookies with crisp edges, buttery centers, and the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey. They’re indulgent, nostalgic, and practically irresistible from the moment they leave the oven.

Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk, bring them to a party, or bake a batch on a cozy weekend afternoon. Anyone who loves classic cookies—but wants a thicker, more luxurious version—will fall head over heels for these.
Estimated calories: ~380–430 per large cookie (varies by chocolate + portion size)

Key Ingredients

Here’s what makes these cookies extra thick, rich, and bakery-quality:

Cold Unsalted Butter – Keeps the dough dense, helping the cookies stay tall and thick.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture, caramel depth, and softness.
Granulated Sugar – Gives structure and crisp edges.
Large Eggs – Bind the dough and provide richness.
Egg Yolk – Adds extra creaminess and chew.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the sturdy base needed for ultra-thick cookies.
Cornstarch – Softens the interior and keeps the cookie tender.
Baking Soda – Helps lift the cookie without spreading too much.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor and gives that signature bakery aroma.
High-Quality Chocolate Chips – Lots of them! Melty pockets throughout.
Chocolate Chunks – Add variety in texture and dramatic pools of melted chocolate.
Coarse Sea Salt (optional) – A light sprinkle on top creates incredible contrast.
Chilled Dough – Not an ingredient, but essential for thickness and flavor development.

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough Base

1. Beat cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 3–4 minutes until creamy but still thick.
2. Add the egg + extra yolk and beat until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.
3. Mix in vanilla.

2. Add Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
2. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a heavy dough forms.
3. Add chocolate chips and chunks and fold until evenly distributed.

3. Chill the Dough

• Shape dough into large balls (¼ cup to ⅓ cup each).
• Chill for at least 1 hour, ideally 3–4 hours.
• This step prevents spreading and creates the signature thick center.

4. Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place cookies on a lined baking sheet with plenty of space.
3. Bake 10–13 minutes, until edges are golden but centers still look soft and slightly under-baked.
4. Let cookies rest on the pan 10 minutes before transferring—this finishes setting the gooey interior.

5. Finish with Sea Salt

• While warm, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for bakery-level flavor contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Family-Style Platter:
Pile the cookies high on a cake stand or wooden board—beautiful and inviting.

Warm Individual Plates:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the top.

Cookie Bar Setup:
Create bowls of toppings like mini marshmallows, extra chocolate chips, and caramel drizzle for guests to build their own dessert.

Gift Boxes / Bake Sale Packages:
Wrap each cookie in parchment and tie with twine or ribbon for bakery vibes.

Meal-Prep Friendly:
Portion raw cookie dough balls and store them chilled or frozen—fresh cookies anytime.

Storage + Meal Prep

Refrigerator:
Keep baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to maintain softness.

Freezer (Raw Dough):
Freeze shaped dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

Freezer (Baked Cookies):
Freeze fully cooled cookies for up to 2 months in a sealed bag.

Reheating:
Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4–6 minutes to restore the gooey centers.
Top with fresh sea salt or a few extra chocolate chips to “refresh” the flavor.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless and comforting about pulling a tray of extra-thick chocolate chip cookies from the oven—the melted chocolate, the buttery aroma, the crackly tops giving way to soft centers. These bakery-style cookies feel luxurious yet simple, nostalgic yet impressive.

Give them a try, customize them with your favorite chocolates or add-ins, and enjoy the proud moment of creating the ultimate cookie in your own kitchen. And if you fall in love with them (you will!), feel free to share your experiences, tweaks, and delicious results.