Baking: How do I make cookies that are soft and chewy?

To make soft and chewy cookies, you need to focus on the right ingredients and baking techniques. Here are some key tips and a recipe to help you achieve the perfect soft and chewy cookies:

Key Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Cookies

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and helps create chewy cookies. It's essential to use packed brown sugar for maximum moisture retention12.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your cookies. Softened butter is ideal for creaming with sugars14.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to a moist texture1.
• Corn Syrup (Optional): Adding a small amount of corn syrup can enhance chewiness, though it's not necessary for all recipes2.

Baking Techniques

• Underbake Slightly: Cookies will continue to bake a bit after being removed from the oven. Underbaking ensures they remain soft and chewy25.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps cookies retain their shape and prevents excessive spreading, leading to a thicker, chewier cookie15.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough cookies2.

Recipe for Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 and 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce package (2 cups; 340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix until just combined.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Chill Dough: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Scoop and Bake: Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips

• Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

By following these tips and the recipe, you'll be able to make deliciously soft and chewy cookies that everyone will love