How to Create Different Styles of Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies
Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash

Is there anything better than a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven? We’ve got nothing against store-bought, but there’s something about homemade cookies that pre-packaged versions just can’t compete with. A quick Google search will reveal more chocolate chip cookie recipes than one person could probably make in a lifetime.

While they all, more or less, call for the same ingredients, you’d be surprised how subtle variations in cook time or measurements can lead to drastic differences in texture and flavor. Whether you prefer soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy, here are some of our best tips for making the chocolate chip cookies of your dreams.

For Chewy Cookies

The secret to chewy cookies is in the moisture content. To increase moisture, choose brown sugar over white and add 1-2 teaspoons of a liquid sweetener like molasses or maple syrup to your dough mixture. You can also try adding one egg yolk more than your recipe calls for.

For Crispy Cookies

Crispy cookies need less moisture than chewy cookies as well as a longer bake time. Use shortening in place of butter and substitute granulated white sugar if a crisp and crunchy cookie is what you’re after. Keep your cookies in the oven for about 20-25 minutes while checking occasionally to make sure they don’t burn.

For Cakey Cookies

Fluffy, cakey cookies also require a higher fat content, so if this is your goal, it’s best to substitute some of the butter for shortening and make sure the butter you use is room temperature or colder. We also recommend using baking powder over the baking soda.