Name: Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed); 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or butter, melted); 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons apple sauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips (such as Lily's, 3 oz total); Sea salt (optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 232 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic cookies that deliver that perfect balance of softness and chewiness, you are absolutely going to adore this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. It’s one of those treasured recipes that bake up into delightfully tender cookies with just the right hint of gooey chocolate and a golden-brown edge, making each bite an inviting, satisfying experience. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie enthusiast, this recipe blends simple, wholesome ingredients to create a batch that feels homemade in the best way possible, perfect for sharing or savoring as your cozy, sweet treat.

Ingredients You'll Need

There are nine small white bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. One bowl contains a bright yellow egg yolk with clear egg white around it. Another bowl has a light brown applesauce with a smooth texture, and next to it is a small bowl filled with dark amber vanilla liquid. There is a white plate holding small piles of white baking soda and salt. A simple beige bowl is full of white flour with a slightly rough surface. Small speckled white bowls hold white sugar and golden brown sugar with a crumbly texture. Another speckled bowl contains a small amount of white coconut oil. Finally, a pink measuring cup is filled with dark brown, round chocolate chips. Each item is clearly visible and separated, all on a clean white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe are straightforward but play crucial roles in creating the cookies’ tender texture and rich flavor. Each element, from the sugars to the coconut oil, combines to build layers of taste, moisture, and color that make these cookies truly irresistible.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s light, crisp edges.

Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor essential for chewiness.
Coconut oil (or butter, melted): Brings richness and tenderness with a subtle nutty undertone.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookie’s structure and softness.

Apple sauce: A clever addition that boosts moisture while keeping the cookies soft and with a hint of natural sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, aromatic essence.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies their body and chew.

Baking soda: Helps with gentle rising and spreading for that perfect shape.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chocolate chips (sugar-free like Lily's): The star ingredient, melting into soft pockets of chocolatey joy in every bite.

Sea salt (optional for topping): A finishing touch that adds delightful bursts of flavor contrast.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and give them a light spray of cooking spray to ensure your cookies come off effortlessly. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Combining these dry components first allows them to distribute evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie has the right texture and a balanced rise.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, egg, apple sauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aeration will contribute to a tender crumb and help the cookies rise just right.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing in two batches. Stir until the dough comes together as a blend of smooth and slightly crumbly. If you notice the dough is too dry or crumbly, add a drop of water at a time until it softens up just enough to hold together nicely without being runny.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those luscious sugar-free chocolate chips, spreading them evenly so every cookie gets a generous dose of melty chocolate. This step turns the dough into pure cookie magic.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Drop the dough by level tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with sea salt if you’re feeling adventurous, then allow the cookies to rest on the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

A white bowl filled with light golden cookie dough that has a thick and smooth texture, mixed with many small dark chocolate chips scattered evenly throughout. A wooden spoon is partly dipped into the dough, lifting some of it and creating soft folds and swirls. A woman's hand is gently holding the handle of the wooden spoon at the bottom left corner of the image. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with subtle light gray veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little extra flaky sea salt on top right after baking adds an unexpected pop of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness, elevating these cookies to the next level. You might also try a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate classic snack experience, or enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert that’s sure to delight. A simple cup of coffee or tea also makes an excellent companion for these chewy, comforting treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap a few cookies in parchment paper tied with twine for charming homemade gifts, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit and nuts for a casual dessert display at your next gathering. These cookies also shine when stacked in a mason jar for a fun presentation and easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture and freshness. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen cookies stay fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil. This quick reheating revives their chewy texture and melts the chocolate chips to gooey perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute the coconut oil with butter in the Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! Using melted butter instead of coconut oil will give the cookies a familiar buttery flavor and still keep the texture wonderfully soft and chewy. Just be sure to melt the butter so it incorporates smoothly with the sugars.

What makes these cookies chewy instead of crispy?

The combination of brown sugar and applesauce adds extra moisture, while baking just until the edges set and centers remain soft helps keep the cookies chewy. Avoid overbaking, which can dry them out and make them crisp.

Can I use regular sugar-free chocolate chips or do you recommend a specific brand?

Any sugar-free chocolate chips will work, but Lily's brand is a favorite for many because of its rich flavor and smooth melting quality. Feel free to try others to find your perfect match.

Is this recipe suitable for people avoiding refined sugars?

Yes, this recipe uses sugar-free chocolate chips and incorporates natural sweeteners like brown sugar and applesauce. While it’s lower in refined sugars, it’s always good to check your dietary needs and ingredient labels.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. The applesauce already helps add moisture, so the adjustments will keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

This Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is a sincere celebration of all the best things about homemade cookies: simple ingredients, easy steps, and a result that feels like a warm hug with every bite. I encourage you to give it a try soon because once you do, these chewy, chocolate-studded delights will quickly become one of your most loved go-to recipes for sharing and savoring. Happy baking and even happier eating!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need