Cookies—oh, the sweet nostalgia they bring! You know, it’s like that comforting hug from an old friend who knows exactly how you like your tea, or coffee, or whatever your thing is.
The Ultimate Great American Cookie Recipe is not just about satisfying cravings; it’s about basking in a gooey, chocolatey moment of pure indulgence. Imagine biting into one and suddenly remembering that time you.
. .
well, anyway—get ready for a treat!
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Trim the parchment if necessary to fit your baking sheet, whether you’re using a round or rectangular pan.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, cornstarch, and salt into the mixture, stirring gently to avoid over-mixing. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Add the corn syrup and mix until the batter is smooth and everything is well integrated. Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet using a spatula or your hands.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cookie is a golden brown. If using a thicker pan, increase the baking time to approximately 30 minutes.
- Allow the cookie to cool completely before decorating to prevent the frosting from melting. Use canned frosting for convenience, alternating between dark chocolate and white flavors as desired.
- Decorate the cooled cookie cake by piping frosting around the edges and adding sprinkles or writing messages in the center. Feel free to get creative with your design, making use of various piping tips and colors.
Ingredients
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt (specifically Diamond Crystal brand)
- 10 ounces of chocolate chips
- ¼ cup of corn syrup
FAQ
- How should I store a chocolate chip cookie cake?
- You can keep the cookie cake at room temperature. If storing it whole, cover it with foil. Alternatively, you can slice it (like a pizza or any way you prefer) and keep the pieces in airtight containers at room temperature.
- What makes cookies chewy versus cakey?
- The chewiness in this cookie cake is due to the melted butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, and corn syrup. In contrast, using cold butter and white sugar results in a crispier cookie. Be careful not to over-mix the flour, as this can make the cake too chewy and gummy.
- How can I tell when the cookie cake is done baking?
- The cookie cake is ready when it turns golden brown. It might appear slightly soft and gooey, but it will firm up as it cools.
- What can I use if I don’t have chocolate chips?
- While the recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips, or try different flavors like peanut butter or butterscotch. You can also chop a candy bar or add m&ms for variety.
- What type of baking sheet should I use for this recipe?
- A 12″ round cookie sheet (similar in size to a pizza sheet) is recommended, but a regular rimmed quarter sheet pan can also be used. Be aware that using a quarter sheet pan will result in a thicker cookie cake that requires a longer baking time.
Tips
- Use Melted Butter for Moisture: Opt for melted butter instead of softened to ensure your cookie cake is softer and moister. This small change can significantly improve the texture.
- Adjust Baking Time Based on Pan Size: If you’re using a rectangular quarter sheet pan instead of a round one, remember to bake the cookie cake longer as it will be thicker. Aim for about 30 minutes as opposed to 20 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients Carefully: After adding the flour, mix the batter just enough to combine the ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to a chewier, almost gummy texture, so be gentle.
- Cool Completely Before Decorating: Ensure the cookie cake is fully cooled before applying frosting to prevent it from melting. This will help your decorations stay intact and look their best.
Equipment
- 12″ Round Baking Sheet (or a rimmed quarter sheet pan)
- Parchment Paper
- Silicone Spatula
- Piping Tips (for decorating)
- Mixing Bowl
