The Gold Standard Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’ve ever savored the delightful experience of a warm, generously sized, and perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookie from Costco, you understand the bar we’re setting. But what if we told you there’s a recipe that elevates that experience, delivering an even more incredible indulgence right from your own kitchen? Prepare to discover your new favorite: a homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe that isn’t just “better than Costco,” it’s truly exceptional. Imagine cookies so packed with molten chocolate chips that every single bite is a heavenly encounter, from one soft edge to the other.

For over two decades, baking has been more than a hobby for me; it’s a passion. As a dedicated dessert enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating sweet treats from scratch. From comforting apple strawberry crisps to nostalgic funnel cakes made with Bisquick, my kitchen has been a hub of delicious experiments. Among all my beloved recipes, this particular chocolate chip cookie stands out as an absolute masterpiece. I guarantee that after your very first bite, these homemade cookies will undeniably become your new go-to favorite, far surpassing anything you’d find at a warehouse club.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Video Tutorial

Why This Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Stands Out

Our goal was simple: to create a chocolate chip cookie that captures the best qualities of those bakery-style giants you adore, but with an unparalleled homemade flavor and texture. This recipe achieves that and more, earning its place as a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

• Irresistibly Bakery-Style Perfection: Forget thin, brittle, or sparse store-bought cookies. These are the real deal – generously sized, wonderfully soft, incredibly chewy, and absolutely brimming with chocolate chips in every bite. They truly embody the ideal bakery-quality cookie, satisfying that craving for a substantial, comforting treat.
• Superior, Heartfelt Flavor: While the substantial size and delightful texture mimic popular warehouse club favorites like Costco or Sam’s Club chocolate chip cookies, the flavor here is simply unmatched. Crafted from scratch with carefully selected ingredients and a touch of homemade love, these cookies boast a richness and depth of flavor that mass-produced versions just can’t replicate. The subtle nuances of vanilla, the balance of sugars, and the quality of chocolate truly shine through.
• Quick and Rewarding: Despite their impressive appearance and taste, these fabulous homemade cookies are surprisingly quick to prepare and bake. From mixing bowl to cooling rack, you can have a batch ready to devour in approximately 25 minutes. This makes them perfect for an impromptu treat, a quick dessert for unexpected guests, or a delightful baking project with kids.
• A Beloved Family Favorite: This particular recipe has a special history. It began as an adaptation of a classic KitchenAid cookie recipe from a cookbook that accompanied my first stand mixer. While the original was good, I knew it had the potential to be extraordinary. Through careful adjustments and passion, I refined it into this utterly delicious version that perfectly emulates (and surpasses) the large, chewy chocolate chip cookies found at your favorite warehouse stores.

Just like rich inside-out chocolate chip cookies are celebrated for their intense chocolate experience, these chewy cookies deliver a perfectly balanced chocolate presence in every soft, decadent bite.

Essential Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Achieving the perfect chewy and soft chocolate chip cookie texture hinges on understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s what you need to know to make these “better than Costco” cookies:

• Cane Sugar and Brown Sugar: This recipe calls for both granulated cane sugar and brown sugar, a crucial combination for flavor and texture. Granulated sugar provides crispness and helps with spread, while brown sugar, with its molasses content, contributes moisture, chewiness, and a deeper, more caramelized flavor. You can use either light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses, resulting in a slightly richer, more robust flavor and an even chewier texture, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter is Key: We specify unsalted butter because it gives you precise control over the salt content in your cookies. The amount of salt in salted butter can vary significantly between brands, making it difficult to achieve consistent results. Using unsalted butter ensures your homemade chocolate chip cookies won’t be overly salty. If salted butter is all you have, feel free to use it, but remember to omit the added kosher salt from the recipe.
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks: For a true bakery-style cookie reminiscent of Costco or Sam’s Club, semi-sweet chocolate is highly recommended. It offers a balanced sweetness that complements the cookie dough without being overwhelming. While chips work wonderfully, consider using chocolate chunks for an even more decadent, gooey pocket of melted chocolate in every bite. My personal favorite brands for quality and flavor are Guittard and Ghirardelli. Don’t be shy with the chocolate; the more, the merrier!
• Eggs: The Tenderizers: Eggs are more than just a binder; they act as crucial tenderizers in baked goods, working alongside sugar to create that coveted soft and chewy texture. They contribute moisture, richness, and structure, making them absolutely essential for achieving the perfect consistency in this soft cookie recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t underestimate the power of good vanilla extract. It enhances all the other flavors in the cookie, adding a warm, aromatic depth that is truly indispensable. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent reacts with the acidic brown sugar to help the cookies spread and become tender. It contributes to the characteristic chewiness and slightly flattened shape of these large cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure without making the cookies tough. Measuring flour correctly (by weight or by spooning into a measuring cup and leveling) is important to avoid dry, crumbly cookies.

Creative Recipe Variations to Customize Your Cookies

While these chewy chocolate chip cookies are perfect as is, they also serve as an excellent base for experimentation. You can typically add up to 2 cups of your favorite mix-ins to the dough without altering the core structure. Here are some delightful ideas to make these cookies uniquely yours:

• Explore Different Chocolate Varieties: Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet! Swap them out or combine them with dark chocolate chips for an intense cocoa flavor, milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier profile, or white chocolate chips for a rich, buttery contrast. You could even try a blend of all three for a truly complex chocolate experience.
• Add Nuts for Crunch and Flavor: Introduce a satisfying textural element and nutty flavor by tossing in chopped pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor even further. For a little extra sweetness and chew, consider adding ¼ cup of dried cherries, cranberries, or even diced apricots alongside the nuts.
• Candy-Infused Delights: Transform these classic cookies into an even more indulgent treat by incorporating your favorite candies. Mini peanut butter cups, chopped Rolos, or crushed Snickers bars would melt beautifully into the warm cookies, creating pockets of caramel, nougat, and candy goodness. Even M&M’s can add a fun pop of color and chocolate.
• Spice It Up: For a subtle warmth, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This can complement the chocolate beautifully, especially during the fall and winter months.
• Salty-Sweet Perfection: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookie dough before baking enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a gourmet touch. This simple addition creates an irresistible salty-sweet balance.

Essential Equipment for Baking Perfect Cookies

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, especially when aiming for consistent, bakery-quality results. For these “better than Costco” chocolate chip cookies, here are the essential pieces of equipment:

• Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two good quality baking sheets. Lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats ensures even baking, prevents sticking, and makes cleanup a breeze. Darker sheets can sometimes lead to faster browning, so keep an eye on your cookies.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop (specifically a 3-tablespoon size for these large cookies) is invaluable. It ensures that each portion of dough is uniform in size, which is critical for consistent baking and an appealing presentation. Uneven cookies bake at different rates, leading to some being overdone and others underdone.
• Stand or Hand Mixer: While a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease can work, an electric mixer is highly recommended for creaming butter and sugar effectively. A stand mixer, like a KitchenAid, with its paddle attachment, makes the process effortless and ensures the ingredients are perfectly combined and aerated, leading to a lighter, chewier cookie. A good quality electric hand mixer can also do the job, though it may take a little longer.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all your wet and dry ingredients without spills, especially when using a hand mixer.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl during mixing and for folding in chocolate chips by hand.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allowing your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom and promotes even cooling, preserving their texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Homemade “Costco-Style” Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crafting these phenomenal chocolate chip cookies is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few key techniques will ensure you achieve that coveted soft and chewy texture every time. Follow these steps for bakery-worthy results:

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Oven: Begin by preparing two cookie sheets. You can either lightly grease them or, for best results and easy cleanup, line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the cookies go in, which is vital for proper baking and spread.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars Thoroughly: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer and a large mixing bowl), add your softened but still cool unsalted butter, granulated cane sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat these ingredients together at high speed for about 1 minute. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, and continue mixing until the mixture is light, fluffy, and the sugars are well dissolved into the butter. This creaming process can take up to 8 minutes with a hand mixer but only about 2-3 minutes with a powerful stand mixer. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Crack one large egg into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix at medium-high speed for 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Stop and scrape down the bowl again to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Then, add the second large egg along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another 30 seconds, or until the second egg is completely blended into the batter. This gradual addition helps maintain the emulsion and creates a smoother dough.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: With your mixer running on low speed, slowly add the baking soda, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. This gradual addition is crucial; dumping all the flour in at once can create a flour cloud in your kitchen and lead to overmixing. Mix on medium-low speed for no more than 2 minutes. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough, dry cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Finally, add your generous 12 ounces (2 cups) of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your chosen variations). Mix on low speed for just 15 seconds, or until the chips are just incorporated. Alternatively, use a sturdy wooden spoon or rubber spatula to fold the chocolate chips in by hand; this is often the best way to prevent overmixing and ensure even distribution.

6. Portion and Space the Dough: Use your 3-tablespoon size cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. For evenly baked cookies, make sure each scoop is roughly the same size. If you prefer precision, each portion of cookie dough should weigh about 1.5 ounces on a kitchen scale. It’s crucial to leave at least 2 inches of space between each scoop of dough on the baking sheet. These large chocolate chip cookies will spread a bit during baking, and adequate spacing prevents them from melding together.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just barely set and look slightly dry, while the tops are still very light golden brown and appear soft. The centers might even look slightly underbaked; this is ideal for a chewy interior.
8. Rest and Cool: Once removed from the oven, let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for 5 full minutes. This crucial resting period allows them to continue baking slightly and set up properly, preventing them from falling apart when transferred. After 5 minutes, use a spatula to carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Cookies

While these “better than Costco” chocolate chip cookies are undoubtedly delicious on their own, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate them to an even higher level of enjoyment. Here are some fantastic ideas to serve your freshly baked treats:

• Classic Milk Pairing: There’s a reason this is a timeless combination. A tall, cold glass of milk is the ultimate comforting partner for warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. The cool dairy perfectly balances the rich sweetness of the cookie.
• Coffee or Tea Companion: For a sophisticated afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy evening treat, enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or your favorite tea. The slightly bitter notes of coffee or the aromatic qualities of tea create a wonderful contrast.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Transform these generous cookies into an indulgent dessert by making homemade ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or even mint chip ice cream between two cookies and gently press. Wrap them individually and freeze for a perfect grab-and-go treat.
• Dessert Charcuterie Board: Hosting a gathering? Feature these cookies prominently on a dessert charcuterie board alongside other sweet delights like fudgy brownies, fresh berries, chocolate-covered pretzels, and small candies. They add a homemade touch that guests will adore.
• Brunch Delight: Don’t limit cookies to just dessert! Serve them at your next brunch. They pair wonderfully with a side of whipped cream-topped hot chocolate or a refreshing fruit salad, adding a sweet highlight to your morning spread.
• Salty-Sweet Indulgence: For those who love the irresistible combination of salty and sweet, try serving these cookies with a side of warm salted caramel sauce for dipping. You could also crumble them over a bowl of vanilla pudding or Greek yogurt for a fun, deconstructed dessert.
• Warm Them Up: A quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will bring a day-old cookie back to its fresh-baked, gooey glory.

With just a few simple steps and about 25 minutes, you’ll be enjoying the finest homemade version of “Costco-style” chocolate chip cookies. Get ready for a truly delightful baking experience!

Craving a different soft cookie recipe?

Explore other favorites like our classic M&M cookie recipe, or try the festive mint version, perfect for seasonal celebrations!

Recipe FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making, storing, and enjoying these delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies:

More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try…

• M&M Christmas Cookies
• Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies
• Creme Brulee Cookie Recipe
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

If you tried this better than Costco chocolate chip cookies recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Better Than Costco Chocolate Chip Cookies

By Renae Gerhardstein

This soft cookie recipe makes the best Costco chocolate chip cookies at home! Even better than store-bought, these thick, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a must-try for any chocolate chip cookie lover. They’re perfect for freezing, meal prep, or a sweet treat anytime!

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal per cookie

Equipment

• 2 Baking Sheets
• 3-tablespoon Scoop
• Stand mixer (or Hand Mixer)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened but still cool
• 1 cup granulated cane sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)

Instructions

1. Prepare two cookie sheets by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375º F (190°C).
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer and a large mixing bowl), add softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix at high speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add one egg to the mixture and mix at medium-high speed for 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl again, then add the second egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another 30 seconds, or until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Continue mixing on medium-low speed for no more than 2 minutes, or until just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough, dry cookies.
5. Add the chocolate chips to the dough. Mix on low speed for about 15 seconds to incorporate, or use a wooden spoon to stir them in by hand.
6. Using a medium-sized scoop (about 3 tablespoons), portion the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies appear slightly dry and set, and the tops are a very light golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft.
8. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 full minutes. This allows them to continue baking slightly and firm up. Then, use a spatula to transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Video

Notes

• Baking 101 – The Purpose of Eggs in Cookies: Eggs and sugar serve as crucial tenderizers in baked goods, contributing moisture, richness, and structure. They are absolutely essential for achieving the soft and chewy texture desired in this cookie recipe.
• Prevent Overbaking: For the best soft and chewy results, do not overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just barely set and the tops are a very light golden brown, even if the centers still look slightly underdone. They will continue to set as they cool.

Recipe Variations:

You can add a total of 2 cups of any sweet goodies you like to your chewy cookies! Here are a few ideas:

1. Use Different Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter, or white chocolate chips, or combine multiple types for a unique flavor.
2. Add Nuts and/or Dried Fruit: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or cashews for a nice crunch. For added sweetness and chewiness, consider adding ¼ cup of dried cherries, cranberries, or other dried fruit.
3. Candies: Mini peanut butter cups, chopped Rolos, or crushed Snickers would be fantastic additions, melting into gooey pockets within the cookies.

Storing and Freezing Instructions:

• To keep your soft cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of white bread in the container can help retain moisture.
• Freezing Dough: To freeze cookie dough, portion it into balls and flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for 1 hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe storage bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the frozen dough thaw on a baking sheet at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg