Best Chewy Cafe Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made three dozen cafe-style chocolate chip cookies for the First Baptist fall bake sale. Larger size, chewier, with a hint of espresso powder in the dough.

The recipe is below.

Best Chewy Cafe-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 27 min (plus 30 min chill) | Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Mix the sugars and butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy, about 1 minute.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla. Add the 2 whole eggs, the extra yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture is thick, pale, and slightly ribbon-y — this step is key to that chewy cafe texture.
4. Combine wet and dry. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips. Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Chill the dough. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 72 hours for deeper flavor). Do not skip this step — it’s what keeps the cookies thick and chewy instead of flat.
7. Preheat and prep. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Scoop and space. Scoop dough into generous 2-tablespoon rounds and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press a few extra chips on top if you like a bakery look.
9. Bake. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool — pull them early for maximum chew.
10. Finish and cool. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Eat one warm. You’ve earned it.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 215 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Carbs: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 118mg