Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you want in a cookie — soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor from both cocoa powder and melty chocolate chips. These…
Tip: save now, cook later.Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you want in a cookie — soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor from both cocoa powder and melty chocolate chips. These cookies have that perfect balance of deep chocolate taste and a tender, moist texture that makes it hard to eat just one.
I love making these cookies whenever I need a simple treat that feels special. The double dose of chocolate makes them a favorite with everyone who tries them, and I always find myself sneaking an extra warm cookie straight from the oven. A helpful tip: chilling the dough a bit before baking really helps keep them soft and gives a thicker, more satisfying bite.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or just keeping a batch around for whenever a chocolate craving hits. I often serve them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee — it’s a little cozy moment that never gets old. Plus, they freeze well, so you can bake once and enjoy them over time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted softened butter gives a creamy base with balanced control over saltiness. If you want a softer bite, try using part butter and part shortening.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and light brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar helps keep cookies chewy. For a deeper flavor, dark brown sugar works well too.
Cocoa Powder: Natural or Dutch-processed cocoa are both fine. Dutch-processed has a smoother taste and darker color. Use whichever you have on hand.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are classic, but mixing in dark or milk chocolate chips adds variety. Chopped chunks melt better and give gooey pockets.
How Can I Keep My Double Chocolate Cookies Soft and Gooey?
Achieving soft and gooey cookies starts before baking. Here’s what helps:
- Don’t overmix the dough: Stir just until ingredients combine to avoid a tough texture.
- Chill the dough for 30-60 minutes: This tightens the dough so cookies don’t spread too thin and remain thick and tender.
- Watch the baking time: Bake until edges are set but centers still look soft—this usually takes 10-12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on the pan: Cooling for 5 minutes helps them firm up without becoming hard.
Following these tips will give you cookies with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel and rich chocolate flavor every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining your wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – this makes creaming the butter and sugars quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurate ingredient amounts for the perfect cookie texture.
- Baking sheets – a flat, sturdy tray helps the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion out dough evenly for consistent cookie sizes.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottoms.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast that pairs well with chocolate.
- Swap half the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips to add a sweet, creamy twist.
- Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Stir in dried cherries or cranberries for a tart surprise that balances the rich chocolate.
Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped chocolate chunks for extra gooeyness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to 1 hour for chilling the dough, and 10-12 minutes for baking. Overall, plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes including chilling and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.
5. Add Chocolate:
Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped chunks evenly throughout the dough.
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much as they bake.
7. Scoop and Bake:
Scoop out dough balls of about 2 tablespoons each onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft for that perfect gooey texture.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite glass of milk or beverage.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming properly, which gives the cookies their tender texture. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it completely in the fridge and then bring it to room temperature before mixing.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour enhances flavor and texture, but you can also refrigerate the dough overnight for even better results. Just cover it tightly and bake within 2-3 days.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Different Types of Chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Mixing different chocolates can add extra depth and variety to your cookies.
