If you’re a fan of classic, irresistibly crunchy-yet-chewy treats, then the Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe captures all the nostalgic goodness of the iconic cookies with surprisingly simple ingredients and a straightforward process, resulting in bite-sized delights bursting with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a timeless sweet snack, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of buttery flavor, subtle vanilla warmth, and chocolatey goodness that keeps you reaching for just one more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a starring role in bringing out the rich, satisfying flavor and texture these cookies are known for. From the creamy butter that adds moisture and richness to the brown sugar that gives a hint of caramel depth, every element is crucial.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that ensures soft yet crispy cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookie a slight crunch on the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and keeps the cookies tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that delivers bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily after baking without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter along with both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which means plenty of air has been incorporated to create a tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These give moisture, flavor, and help bind all the dry ingredients together for a smooth dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so gently fold until you see no streaks of flour.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part: fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. These little pockets of chocolate will melt beautifully while baking, giving you that unmistakable Famous Amos charm.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Roll small portions of dough—about 1 tablespoon each—into balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies to spread just enough without merging into one another.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice the edges turn golden brown while the centers stay slightly soft, which is key to achieving that delightful chewy inside and crisp outside texture.
Step 8: Cooling
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps them set so they won’t break apart, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is worth it here!
How to Serve Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, dusting a few with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking can elevate the flavor and balance the sweetness beautifully. You can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pairing these chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk is a classic combo that never disappoints. For grown-up gatherings, consider serving them alongside a cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate to complement the cookies’ sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Assemble a cookie sandwich by spreading a layer of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two Famous Amos cookies for a delightful frozen treat. Alternatively, crumble some over vanilla pudding for added texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and maintains that signature crunch with a soft center.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cookies even longer, freeze them in a sealed bag or container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen cookies stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, gently warm your cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives the softness and melts any chocolate chips inside, bringing back that irresistible homemade vibe.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mini chocolate chips with regular-sized chips?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips will work fine, but mini chips distribute more evenly, giving you a consistent chocolate hit in every bite, much like the original Famous Amos cookie texture.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is highly recommended for this recipe because it lends rich flavor and the right texture. Margarine can alter the taste and may result in a less crisp cookie, but if that’s what you have on hand, it can still work.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum for similar texture. Keep in mind the baking time might change slightly, so watch your cookies carefully.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Definitely! Freezing dough balls on a baking sheet and then storing them in an airtight container allows for quick fresh cookies anytime. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen.
Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?
This usually happens if the butter is too soft or melted, or if the dough is too warm when placed on the baking sheet. Try chilling your dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help control spreading.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up the Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe at home is like bringing a bit of that nostalgic cookie jar magic straight to your kitchen. With its perfectly balanced texture and delicious flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple for cookie lovers in your life. So, grab your ingredients, embrace the cozy baking vibes, and treat yourself to some warm, gooey bites of happiness that only freshly baked cookies can deliver!
Print
Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Famous Amos Cookies are classic, bite-sized chocolate chip cookies known for their perfect balance of sweetness and chewy texture. Made with simple ingredients like butter, brown and granulated sugar, vanilla, and plenty of chocolate chips, these cookies bake up golden brown with soft centers—ideal for a nostalgic treat or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base texture for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, enhancing flavor and binding the ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing, ensuring the dough forms without overmixing.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough evenly, distributing them throughout for consistent chocolate bursts.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll small portions of dough, about one tablespoon each, into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crispier edges, bake closer to 12 minutes.
- Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugars.
- Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly and melt nicely in small cookies.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to preference.
