Cookies Holidays

pan-banging chocolate chip cookies

pan banging chocolate chip cookies on wire cooling rack

The original Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookie, as featured in the NYTimes .
This recipe first appeared in my Vanilla Bean Baking Book, and was the inspiration for the ENTIRE CHAPTER of pan-banging cookie recipes in my 100 Cookies cookbook!

Originally I thought to include a different chocolate chip cookie recipe in this book. It was my go-to cookie, one I had made for years at Bordertown Coffee. I began working on a thin and crispy version, and along the way it evolved into this recipe.

The cookie falls somewhere in the middle of gooey and crispy, with edges that shatter in your mouth and a center that is soft and full of chocolate. My family loved it so much that my original recipe hasn’t seen the light of day since. Meet our new house cookie.

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. What are pan-banging cookies?

Bakers tapping their cookie pans in the oven isn’t new, of course, but the pan-banging technique I use here is unique in that the pan is tapped in the oven every few minutes, creating ripples on the edge of the cookie. This creates two textures in the cookie: a crisp outer edge, and a soft, gooey center.

2. Why won’t my cookies ripple/wrinkle? I’ve found that flour can often be the culprit, and it seems that high-protein flour won’t allow for as much spreading and wrinkling. I use Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour in my cookies, and find that works best.

3. Why are my cookie bottoms greasy? I prefer to think of the cookies as “exceptionally buttery”. There is extra butter in these cookies, which helps them spread, and crisp on the bottom. I remove my cookies from the pan when they are cool enough to handle, and let them continue cooling on a wire rack, which helps them stay crispy.

4. Can I use less sugar? The granulated sugar helps with spreading and also helps with crisping. If you decrease the sugar, you won’t have the same type of cookie. If you do want to play around with decreasing amounts, start with 2 or 3 tablespoons, and continue to decrease each time you make them until you find your sweet spot (pun intended).

5. Can I switch out some of the granulated sugar for brown sugar? You can, but your cookie won’t be as crispy – it will end up with a chewy texture.

Pan-banging Chocolate Chip Cookies

6. Why should I use aluminum foil? I find that aluminum foil helps the cookies spread a bit more and creates a slightly crisper bottom. But parchment paper will work well, too.

7. Can I refrigerate pan-banging cookie dough?

Cookie dough can be refrigerated overnight before using. Shape the dough into balls and cover with plastic wrap before chilling, and then bring it to room temperature before baking (when the cookies are chilled solid, they won’t ripple as well). Cookies that spend a night in the fridge will also have a more developed flavor, but also have a bumpier finish.

8. Can I use European butter? Yes! But note that using European butter will make the bottom of these cookies even more buttery.

9. Can I add more ingredients to the dough (nuts, other chips, m&ms, etc)? Yes, but note a few things: too many add-ins (chocolate, toffee, nuts, etc.) will prevent the dough from spreading as it should.

10. Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate? Yes, but note that chopped chocolate spreads much better than chocolate chips.

11. Can I use alternative flours (i.e. almond, oat, buckwheat, etc)? You can’t swap out all equal parts all-purpose flour for an alternative flour. If you would like to substitute some alternative flour for the all-purpose, start with 1/4 cup (about 50 grams) and slowly increase each time you make it, until you find your perfect ratio.

12. Can I make these gluten-free or vegan? Yes, my friend Amanda has used my recipe to create Gluten-Free Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookies! I haven’t played around with a vegan recipe, but I have seen many people on Instagram successfully do so (sorry, I know that isn’t helpful). If you do make it successfully either way, comment below on what worked for you!

13. What ingredients are best for making pan-banging cookies?

I use Land O’Lakes unsalted butter and Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, almost exclusively. I use a variety of grocery store brand granulated sugar, brown sugar, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract. For chocolate I use a mix of brands: Ghiradelli Semi-Sweet baking bars and Trader Joe’s bittersweet baking bars are great grocery store brands. Valrhona feves (I like Caraibe) and Guittard baking wafers are wonderful higher-end options. I use a mix of all of them.

pan-banging chocolate chip cookies on parchment and wire rack

14. Why are my cookies burning on the bottom? Make sure your batter is completely combined – doing a final few stirs with a spatula will help make sure everything is evenly combined and mixed. Having a medium-weight baking sheet makes for even baking (I use these from Nordic Ware). Sometimes your oven temperature can be the culprit – using an oven thermometer each time you bake will help you make sure it is correct.

15. How do I get my chocolate to pool on top? Place a piece of chopped chocolate directly on top of each cookie dough ball before going into the oven (Vahlrona feves work well for this) will make a nice pool as they bake.

16. What kind of baking sheet should I use? I use a medium-weight half sheet pan (12 by 16 in [ 30.5 cm by 40.5 cm]). I find heavier-insulated baking sheets don’t ripple as well.

17. What if I can’t fit my baking sheet in my freezer? It’s okay! You can put the dough balls on a small plate and freeze them, then transfer them to the baking sheet when you are ready to bake.

18. Will this technique work with other cookie recipes? Not necessarily, and not in the same way. Cookies that are made to be thick and gooey won’t ripple when tapped in the oven, although doing so may help to set the edges.

19. Do I have to bang the pan outside the oven? No, you don’t! As stated in the recipe, I lift the side of the baking sheet up about 4 in [10 cm] and gently let it drop down against the oven rack, so the edges of the cookies set and the inside falls back down.

20. Do you have more pan-banging cookie recipes in your 100 Cookies cookbook? Yes, I have a whole chapter dedicated them! Purchase my book,  100 Cookies. (affiliate link)

More Pan-Banging Cookie Recipes:

Pan-banging Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 10 large cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
The original and famous Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookies, created by Sarah Kieffer. The easy trick of banging the pan a few times during baking, causing the cookies to "fall," produces rippled edges that shatter in your mouth and a center that is soft and full of chocolate.
Sarah Kieffer
4.78 from 152 votes
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Adjust an oven rack to the middle position. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 3 baking sheets with aluminum foil, dull side up.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the butter on medium until creamy. Add the granulated and brown sugars and beat on medium until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and water and mix on low to combine. Add the flour mixture and mix on low until combined. Add the chocolate and mix on low into the batter.
  • Form the dough into 3½-ounce (100g) balls (a heaping 1/3 cup each). Place 4 balls an equal distance apart on a prepared pan and transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes before baking. After you put the first baking sheet in the oven, put the second one in the freezer.
  • Place the chilled baking sheet in the oven and bake 10 minutes, until the cookies are puffed slightly in the center. Lift the side of the baking sheet up about 4 inches and gently let it drop down against the oven rack, so the edges of the cookies set and the inside falls back down (this will feel wrong, but trust me). After the cookies puff up again in 2 minutes, repeat lifting and dropping the pan. Repeat a few more times to create ridges around the edge of the cookie. Bake 16 to 18 minutes total, until the cookies have spread out and the edges are golden brown but the centers are much lighter and not fully cooked.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack; let cool completely before removing the cookies from the pan.

Notes

These cookies are rather large, but to get the edges to spread out and crinkle, they need to be on the big side. If you want to make the cookies smaller, you won’t get as many ridges on the outer layer, and your center won’t be quite as gooey. They will still be delicious, but not quite what I intended for you.
If you skip freezing the cookies, they will spread too much on the pan and will not form the crinkly outer layer.
Chocolate chips are not a good substitution for the chopped chocolate; the cookies will not turn out the same with chips. If you do still want to use chocolate chips, you will need to use 8 ounces chips and make the cookies 2½ ounces big.
Using the dull side of aluminum foil to bake these cookies is a little trick I learned after hearing Alice Medrich speak. The foil helps make for an extra-crisp, golden brown bottom. Parchment paper can also be used with good results.
The cookies are delicious warm, but I’ve found I love them a couple of days later just as much. I usually store them in the fridge and sneak pieces of them cold.
*Throughout my recipes posted on this website, 1 cup of flour equals 142g. Please note that 1 cup of flour can range anywhere from 120g to 142g, depending on the baker or website. I found that after weighting many cups of flour and averaging the total, mine always ended up around this number. If I am posting a recipe from another cookbook, I will use whatever gram measure of flour used in that book, which is why you may see a few posts with a different cup measurement. 
Different brands of flour have varying levels of protein, ranging from low to high, which can result in very different outcomes when baking. I’ve found Gold Medal all-purpose unbleached flour to be the best option for many of my recipes; I use it in all the baked goods that don’t use yeast. For yeasted doughs that call for all-purpose flour, I like to use King Arthur Brand. If you are using White Lily flour, please note that it is a low protein flour and doesn’t absorb liquid the same as regular all-purpose flours. Check the back of the flour bag for instructions on substituting it for regular all-purpose flours. 
 
*Reprinted by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Sarah Kieffer, 2016.
  • Reply
    Catherine S
    Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:19 am

    5 stars
    Terrific recipe! Delicious and I love the texture of crispy outer edge and chewy center. I made 34 smaller ones instead of 10 large ones.

  • Reply
    Kim
    Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:01 am

    5 stars
    I can’t belive I’ve never tried these before! They came out so tasty. Such a fun texture, and they looked great, too. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Leslie
    Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:54 am

    5 stars
    These are simply amazing. My husband said the best cookie he has ever had. I did the pan hanging ginger molasses too and Omgosh I can’t even they are phenomenal. Love your recipes. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    Meg
    Monday, January 15, 2024 at 4:33 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe! Follow as written, super simple to follow and basic ingredients. These turned out SO amazing! used leftover chopped milk chocolate kisses and they worked just fine. Sprinkled a tiny bit of Maldon Salt on top after the last banging round. Love this recipe!

  • Reply
    Shirley
    Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 6:08 pm

    5 stars
    It was a loud baking process, but these cookies turned out great, thank you for the recipe! I read in other comments that the dough can be frozen in advance, but how long can it be stored in the freezer for before baking? Also, how long do these cookies stay fresh at room temperature, and what’s the best way to store them?

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 6:38 pm

      You can store the dough balls in the freezer for about 3 weeks! Store baked cookies on counter in a closed container.

      • Reply
        Shirley
        Sunday, December 31, 2023 at 12:49 pm

        Thank you!

      • Reply
        Myra
        Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:29 pm

        Why only 3 weeks?

    • Reply
      Linda Mudawar
      Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      Hi I just made a lot of dough…if I freeze them in balls what is the process of baking? Do I take them out of the freezer and let them thaw and then bake?

      • Reply
        Sarah Kieffer
        Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 4:40 pm

        This dough does freeze well! I take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature while the oven is preheating. Then I bake as instructed. You may need to add a minute or two to the bake time.

  • Reply
    Jill
    Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 10:31 am

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe, always get such positive feedback whenever I make them for people! For those of you who might want to make it vegan, I just did and they turned out SO good, maybe even better. Substitutions as follows:
    Butter – I used Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil 1:1 but I’m sure pretty much any vegan butter would be fine.
    Chocolate – Guittard semisweet bars
    Egg – I mixed 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp oat milk and let it sit for about ten minutes and just mixed it in for the egg step. I know usually people use water instead of milk but I saw on Reddit that some were recommending using milk. I gave it a try and really liked the results 🙂

  • Reply
    Paula
    Monday, October 2, 2023 at 1:15 am

    5 stars
    Question! When is the best time to “measure/weigh out the butter” and I’m worried cold VS room temp butter weighs differently. Thank you!

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 8:27 am

      Hi! You can weigh the butter at any time, it will weigh the same at any temperature.

  • Reply
    Bailey C.
    Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 6:34 pm

    5 stars
    Life changing!!! I’ve made these several times. I have been famous for my own chocolate chip cookie recipe for 30 years, I made yours and haven’t made mine since. I have read the other comments, don’t know why everybody is struggling. I made mine exactly how the recipe calls, only used semi sweet chocolate. Never got to taste what a cold cookie taste like, they were all gone before completely cooled off! I’ve heard of million dollar pound cake, you need to change the name to million dollar bang bangs!!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 9:56 pm

    5 stars
    I was doubtful at first when sneaking some raw dough as it was so pale and flavorless compared to higher ratio brown sugar recipes, but after baking them I was amazed at how caramelized and delicious they were. After trying the recipe exactly as stated, I modified to only 1 tbsp of water (i used a lower quality butter which typically has an higher water content) and banged them three times. Once at 8 min, 10 min and then after taking them out at 12 min. Any longer and they were too crunchy. You HAVE to let them caramelize and chilling the pan did make a difference but I didn’t chill the dough. The key is taking them out when the centers no longer puff, otherwise they won’t be soft in the middle. Totally worth the effort, will make again for my flat chewy cookie friends.

  • Reply
    Anna
    Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 11:47 pm

    1 star
    Worst cookies I’ve ever made. Way too much effort for what it’s worth and the cookie ended up hard as rocks on the outside and a bit chewy on the inside. Very disappointed.

  • Reply
    Kevin B
    Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 11:29 pm

    5 stars
    Best cookies ever! Followed the recipe exactly.

  • Reply
    Michael
    Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 11:17 am

    Should the 1 egg be room temperature as well ? Does that make a difference ?

  • Reply
    Kim
    Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 9:18 pm

    5 stars
    I absolutely LOVE these cookies. The perfect balance of chewy, crisp, and gooey. I usually swap the brown sugar and granulated sugar amounts because I like my cookies on the chewy side. These are my go-to cookies for special occasions or lazy afternoons. I do have a question though: if I were to make a large batch of these cookies and froze the dough how long should I let them sit out before baking them?

  • Reply
    Kate
    Monday, March 13, 2023 at 6:21 am

    4 stars
    Delicious! However, mine came out too crunchy for my liking. Is this probably just a matter of bake time or dough chilling?

  • Reply
    Katie
    Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 12:44 pm

    5 stars
    Made these cookies as directed – reading all the instructions before I began, and using a kitchen scale – and they were everything promised and more! They won’t be a house cookie only because they lean toward high maintenance, but for special occasions or on a day I’m home with a sick kid, they are the perfect choice. Make them! You won’t regret it! Nothing compares if you have fans of crispy, chewy and gooey in your home!

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Monday, March 6, 2023 at 8:32 am

      I’m so glad you enjoy them, Katie!

  • Reply
    Traci
    Monday, February 6, 2023 at 12:40 pm

    1 star
    Made these true to recipe and they were aweful. Spread out too much (despite freezing dough) and end cookie was a smooshed pile of buttery goo.

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Friday, February 10, 2023 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Traci – the cookies are supposed to spread out and have crisp edges and a gooey center; that is the point of this particular recipe. Thanks for trying them.

  • Reply
    Claudia
    Friday, January 20, 2023 at 4:44 pm

    5 stars
    Love this cookie however if I leave the water out will it be slightly thicker and won’t spread as much? It’s really good but I like my cookies a bit more thicker thanks so much!

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 4:11 pm

      You may want to try my Chocolate Chip Cookies 2.0 recipe!

    • Reply
      Joy
      Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      Be still my heart. I’ve made these cookies so much, and I love them even more each time I make them gosh, thank you so much for this recipe..

  • Reply
    Marilyn
    Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 3:37 pm

    5 stars
    I have probably tried over 200 chocolate chip cookie recipes over the last 30 years. These are hands down the best I’ve made. I tried the 2.0 cookie recipe but I definitely like these better. There’s just nothing like them. SO SO GOOD!!!

  • Reply
    Sydney
    Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:31 am

    3 stars
    I made the cookies for the first time, following the recipe in your book 100 Cookies, which skips the freezing step. Mine spread out too much and hardly had any ridges! They were very, very thin and huge. I then tried to make them smaller and they were a bit better but still not that many ridges, although I “banged” the pan several times during baking. I used Pillsbury Unbleached AP flour which has the same protein content as Gold Medal. What do you think went wrong? It seems odd that you ask to skip the freezing step although there are no changes to the recipe other than the amount of vanilla between the first version of the recipe online and the one in the 100 Cookies book. My oven temperature was spot on, and I measured everything with a scale, so all I can think of is the lack of freezing. The flavor of the cookies is great, but I can’t see going through all the trouble of banging the pan without getting the ridges. I would appreciate your advice. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 4:55 pm

      Hi Sydney – I’m sorry you had trouble with the recipe. I tested the recipe (as did my recipe testers) and found that there was no difference in how the cookies baked chilled or non-chilled; we all had the same results, so that is why I took that step out. There have been many people that have made the recipe without chilling the dough since the book came out with successful results; I’m not saying that to be defensive, but I don’t believe that is the problem. The cookies are supposed to spread a lot, and be thin and huge, so that part isn’t wrong, and why I only have you put 4 on a tray. I’m not sure why your cookies didn’t form the ridges – what brands of butter and chocolate did you use? Sometimes those can contribute to the problem.

  • Reply
    BB
    Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    Can I store uncooked dough in the freezer for a week or two (or longer)? I like to have cookie dough on hand for the last minute cookie need. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 5:21 pm

      Yes you can!

    • Reply
      Sydney
      Monday, December 26, 2022 at 12:27 pm

      Thanks for your response. I couldn’t find unbleached Gold Medal Flour so I used unbleached Pillsbury flour as the protein content was the same as Gold Medal. I used Scharffen Berger Chocolate chunks which I chopped a bit smaller.
      Otherwise, I measured everything with a kitchen scale. I dropped the entire pan about 4” and when I didn’t get ridges I even took a second batch out of the oven and banged them on a butcher block. Is the ban banging done from the short side of the pan or the front? Thanks for all your advice! I love the. 100 cookies book!

    • Reply
      Mirinda
      Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 3:03 am

      5 stars
      just saying.. I used 3 different cookie sheets… and the results were totally different??? one spread out far too much, one didn’t spread out a lot, and my normal go to cookie sheet delivered perfect results!

  • Reply
    Morgan
    Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 6:13 pm

    5 stars
    I love these cookies so much they are my favorite recipe! I know they are supposed to be thin but when I am feeling for a thicker cookie can I still use this recipe but add baking powder? Or what are ways I can still use this recipe and make the cookies thicker.

  • Reply
    Dana
    Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 5:16 pm

    Could you use this recipe to make a single giant crinkle cookie cake or will you loose the crispiness?

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      Hi Dana – I haven’t ever tried something like this with this recipe; in a cake pan the dough will bake up like a bar, and not have the crisp edges or be as thin. If you do decide to try it, let me know how it turns out!

  • Reply
    Mik
    Monday, September 19, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    3 stars
    Mine turned out so light! Why can’t I get a golden brown cookie? They are basically like sugar cookies color.. Help! Is the amount of granulated vs brown sugar correct?

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      The amount of sugar is correct! Is it possible you accidentally left out the baking soda? The soda helps the cookie brown nicely. I have forgotten it before and had very pale cookies.

      • Reply
        EM
        Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 8:29 pm

        5 stars
        I experience the same thing (and I know I didn’t skip the baking soda). I’m always aiming for the dark brown crinkle in the photos, but have yet to achieve it. That said, this recipe is still insanely delicious and always a HUGE hit with every crowd.

  • Reply
    Cookie lover
    Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 7:13 pm

    5 stars
    Hi! I’ve tried this recipe several times and for some reason the cookies don’t always form the ridges. I use all the products listed. Do you think it could be my oven? And how important is it for the cookies to be in the freezer? Will I mess up the cooking process if I keep the cookies in the fridge right before baking? Also when I make this recipe at my friends house it works very well and everyone loves it 🙂

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:37 pm

      If it is working at someone else’s house and not yours, and you are using the products listed, I’m guessing it might somehow be your oven? Do you have an oven thermometer in your oven? I find most home ovens (including mine) are off by 25 degrees or so, either too hot or too cool. I would start there, and see if that makes a difference. I am sorry you are having trouble!

  • Reply
    Darlene Bobik
    Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 2:21 pm

    I’m not a fan of bittersweet chocolate, can I substitute for a dark chocolate (Lindt dark chocolate) to be exact. Appreciate your feedback.

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      I haven’t used Lindt dark chocolate in this recipe – if it is a baking chocolate it should be fine to substitute!

  • Reply
    Jenny
    Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 11:27 am

    Dark brown sugar or light brown sugar?

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      Light brown!

      • Reply
        Jean
        Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 1:39 pm

        5 stars
        Is there a difference between light and brown sugar in regards to the taste and the crinkle?
        If the dough is made the day before once it comes to room temperature should you put it in the freezer for the 15 minutes?

        • Reply
          Sarah Kieffer
          Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:28 pm

          Hi Jean – dark brown sugar has more molasses and moisture in it; it has a deeper flavor. I haven’t tried it here, but I think in this small amount it won’t affect the recipe – you should still get crisp, crinkly edges. You do not have to put the dough in the freezer again! It will crinkle fine after sitting in the fridge all night.

  • Reply
    Jenny
    Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 11:27 am

    Can I double this recipe?

  • Reply
    Ashley
    Monday, August 8, 2022 at 8:59 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve tried a few of the pan-banging cookies but somehow hadn’t tried the classic chocolate chip recipe until now. Wow! These cookies are incredible. Crisp edges, a chewy center, and chunks of chocolate. I also prefer mine from the fridge and topped with flaky salt!

  • Reply
    Ailbhe
    Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 5:26 pm

    Hi Sarah! Should the butter be weighed before or after bringing it to room temperature?

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Monday, June 6, 2022 at 9:13 am

      Either works! The butter will weigh the same.

  • Reply
    Shazeen Tejani
    Friday, April 29, 2022 at 9:55 pm

    5 stars
    I don’t know what to say about these cookies. I almost hate them a little…. But only because I’ve made SO many batches due to their insane popularity among my family and friends. Don’t get me wrong.. one batch is easy peasy. But when people are so obsessed with them and you have to make 3 batches at time, it truly is a labour of love. But I promise there isn’t a recipe out there more worth it than this one. I’ve thrown out every other chocolate chunk cookie recipe I’ve ever used and wholly commit to only making these ones going forward. Pro tip for anyone who has made this a trillion times and needs to shake it up: replace the chocolate chunks with chunks of Skor candy bar. It’s a bit sweeter, but when the toffee cools and hardens.. it’s a dream come true.

    Thank you so so much for this AMAZING recipe!

  • Reply
    Linda
    Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 9:11 pm

    5 stars
    Followed recipe to a T and these came out delicious. Used King Arthur flour ave Kerrygold butter. Had to slam a little harder than a nice drop, but it worked perfectly!

  • Reply
    Sheryl
    Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 7:15 pm

    @Sarah
    Question: I use King Arthur Flour which weighs 240g for two cups. Was this recipe tested by weight or volume? I’m just not sure if I should use the number of grams stated in the recipe or the two cups (240g). Thank you!

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 9:49 am

      hello! use the gram measurement in the recipe, not what KA flour suggests. i measure differently than their site, and this recipe was tested by weight.

      • Reply
        Sheryl
        Friday, March 18, 2022 at 8:36 pm

        Thank you!!

        • Reply
          Mary Kay
          Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 9:44 am

          On the subject of weighing flour, I too use Gold Medal and two cups weigh 260 grams. I will follow the weight in the recipe which is more than two cups. I always wonder if I should use the weight as listed in a recipe or use the weight on the flour package? All flours seem to have different weights per cup. Any advice?

          • Sarah Kieffer
            Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 9:47 am

            You’ll always want to use the weight given in the recipe, as that is how it was developed, rather than the back of packaging.

          • Mary Kay
            Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 1:42 pm

            Thanks. You have solved one of my baking mysteries.

  • Reply
    lola
    Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    Refrain from asking about types of foil or can I use/ add this or that? Simply read the recipe and either make them as written or move on and make your own decisions.

  • Reply
    Sue
    Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    4 stars
    The cookies taste fantastic and it’s a fun process too! Mine were way to big so next time I will not do a heaping 1/3 cup size because they spread too much and didn’t keep the round shape. They still tasted delicious!

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Felix
    Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    5 stars
    Pan banging brings me joy! I must have been one of those toddlers who loves to take out all the pots in the cupboard and make some fun noises. Pleasing to my ears, not so much for others yet they don’t complain while eating these cookies, worth the noise I am sure. I am not the biggest chocolate chip cookie fan. I prefer the shortbread variety, these have changed me, thats all I can say. I followed recipe with the exception of type of flour and chocolate. I have King Arthur all purpose on hand for most of my baking. I used a combination of Ghirardelli (4 oz) semisweet bar and Hu Simple Dark (70%) chocolate bar since that was what was in my pantry. Worked great, will experiment with some finer chocolate next time and there will be many more next times to come!

  • Reply
    Julia Harrison
    Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 9:05 am

    5 stars
    Life changing best Chocolate chip cookies in the history of the world. I am not exaggerating. And it’s fun!

  • Reply
    Monica
    Monday, January 17, 2022 at 6:52 pm

    4 stars
    They came out beautiful and the texture is great! Soft in the middle and crispy on the edge, and delicious pools of melted chocolate chunks. The flavor is good, though I found that I miss the the brown sugar flavor that I love in many other chocolate chip cookies, the sweetness had less complexity in these. Can’t wait to try other recipes!

  • Reply
    Holly
    Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 6:07 pm

    5 stars
    My life has been changed.

  • Reply
    Chris
    Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 5:52 am

    5 stars
    Really enjoyed the cookies, but mine were done a lot faster, do you use convection with your oven when baking cookies or not ?

    • Reply
      Sarah Kieffer
      Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 12:33 pm

      Hi! I use a regular oven, not convection. It sounds like your oven runs hot. I would purchase and inexpensive oven thermometer and see what it reads at.

  • Reply
    Culinary Therapy Chic
    Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    Can I use brown butter with this recipe?

  • Reply
    tessa
    Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 7:54 am

    5 stars
    These are the only cookies my family requests … thanks for the awesome recipe. We add 1 cup mixed raw walnuts and pecans to a good result 🙂

  • Reply
    Kellyhenry
    Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 4:34 am

    5 stars
    I love to eat cookies. Everyone I know loves to eat cookies. But I love cookies even more when they’re homemade. But, there is no need to settle for those dry, soggy, oh-so-bland pre-packaged cookies anymore!

  • Reply
    Kristen Pringle
    Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 1:49 am

    5 stars
    These cookies are banging! (Sorry couldn’t help it!) in all seriousness these are some of the best chocolate chip cookies. They came out perfectly and were delish. I did use 1 cup white sugar and 3/4 c brown sugar after reading some comments that cookies were very sweet. Interesting to note, i baked two batches exactly as directed then left the final batch in the freezer, baked them a few hours later and those cookies flattened out and didn’t have the ridges on the edge.

  • Reply
    Katherine
    Friday, December 3, 2021 at 7:23 pm

    5 stars
    Easily my go to cookie that wows everyone I bake them for. I make a batch and always have some in my freezer to whip up!

  • Reply
    Mariana
    Monday, November 22, 2021 at 11:16 pm

    4 stars
    I bought the book 100 cookies! And I just made the pan banging rocky road cookies, which I loved! I was wondering how to double de the recipe, my biggest question is if I should double the butter, since it would be almost 5 butter sticks!

    Regards!

  • Reply
    Jackie K.
    Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    Made these today with gluten free flour (King Arthor Measure for Measure) and for 1/2 of the sugar I used monkfruit sugar, and used no-sugar chocolate (for personal dietary needs). They were fabulous! Great crinkling and tasty 🙂 Thank you!

  • Reply
    La'Shonda
    Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Can I use a refular pan to bake them as my cookie sheet is to large to fit in my freezer for that step. 10/12/21

    • Reply
      Shazeen Tejani
      Friday, April 29, 2022 at 9:57 pm

      5 stars
      I just roll up the balls and put them in a small loaf pan! Then just take them out and place them on the cookie sheet before baking

  • Reply
    Rose T
    Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 8:31 pm

    4 stars
    Made this cookie today,… looks great, a little too crispy when it’s warm. I wonder if it’s super crunchy when it’s cooled. I used Toll House Dark morsels. Any suggestions on how I can soften so it’s chewy slightly?

  • Reply
    Moni
    Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 8:54 am

    5 stars
    I have made these cookies now I don’t know how many times, and every time they’re just SO delicious! If friends and family know I’m coming with some baked goodies, they always request these. Thanks for sharing this recipe and writing the recipe so well – they turn out every time.

  • Reply
    Suzy
    Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 9:52 pm

    I followed the recipe exactly and not one of mine came out even close to round. I am an experienced baker. Ideas?

    • Reply
      Liz
      Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 7:01 am

      Swirl them inside a larger ring once out of the oven.
      What does baking experience have to do with round cookies? Use a disher and they will be round.

  • Reply
    MM
    Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 7:03 pm

    can these be completely frozen, then baked another day?

  • Reply
    Susan Whitfield
    Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 11:40 am

    Look awesome! Can’t wait to try!!

    • Reply
      Susan Whitfield
      Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 11:41 am

      Can they be made smaller

  • Reply
    Susan Schulte
    Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    5 stars
    I’m tempted to sell these lol! Delicious!!! Thanks for the recipe

  • Reply
    Christina
    Monday, August 9, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    Can you add oatmeal to this recipe?

  • Reply
    Cookie monster
    Friday, July 23, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    3 stars
    There is so much butter in the recipe, you have to wash your hands after holding a cookie! Otherwise very tasty

  • Reply
    sandra garcia
    Monday, July 5, 2021 at 10:09 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! I add a sprinkle of maldon salt right out of the oven for that extra touch.

  • Reply
    Sydney McCaskey
    Friday, June 25, 2021 at 5:55 pm

    1 star
    gross! aluminum foil made it taste/ bake weird. horrible cookie it was gross to me.

    • Reply
      Kelly
      Monday, August 23, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      Question: Did you use Reynold’s Wrap? Or a different brand? Serious question.

      • Reply
        Chanel
        Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 12:27 pm

        5 stars
        She’s crazy, these are the best. I alter it slightly but even so these cookies are always a hit.

    • Reply
      Marina
      Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 1:28 am

      5 stars
      Use parchment paper, then, and don’t be rude.

  • Reply
    Eliana
    Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:33 am

    5 stars
    Truly a crowd-pleasing cookie…crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside is a winning combo for any cookie lover! Incredible when served with vanilla ice cream too:) Thank you for such a great recipe, Sarah!

  • Reply
    Alanna
    Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 9:30 pm

    5 stars
    very good 🙂 i love them

  • Reply
    Lori
    Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 12:27 pm

    5 stars
    These are truly the best cookies! The perfect balance of crispness, chocolate and the sprinkle of salt on top. Everyone’s favorite and fun to make.

1 2

Leave a Reply

Recipe Rating