Are you ready to bake up a batch of cookies that are so good, they'll remind you of those iconic, chewy delights from your childhood? Then get ready to make the Famous Amos cookie recipe, the original version! This recipe delivers that perfect balance of chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy-ish desserts (we’ll get to the healthy-ish part later!). This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner dessert, a weekend baking project, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Let's dive in and recreate this classic!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
-
Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you have the energy and time!
-
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
-
Stir in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
-
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them during the last couple of minutes, as ovens can vary.
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Chewy Perfection:
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 9-minute mark.
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened – this helps create a tender crumb.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate chips are a star ingredient here, so splurge on a brand you love.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination.
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
Making these Famous Amos cookies is a delightful experience, offering a satisfying blend of ease and delicious results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe provides a great opportunity to create a classic treat that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!