Ooey Gooey Cookies
When it comes to cookies, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a batch of Ooey Gooey Cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of chewy and gooey, offering a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Loaded with rich chocolate chunks and the crunch of pecans, each bite is a heavenly experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the magic of creating the ultimate Ooey Gooey Cookies!
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to achieving the perfect Ooey Gooey Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients and the technique used. The combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda creates a cookie that has a soft center while still being sturdy enough to hold its shape. The use of cold salted butter ensures a rich flavor and a lovely texture without spreading too much during baking. Additionally, the mixture of white and brown sugars adds depth, while the chocolate chunks and chips provide that irresistible gooeyness we all crave.
What’s in the Bowl
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup salted butter, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Tools of the Trade
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even baking.
- Parchment Paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy clean-up.
- Mixing Bowls: A medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large bowl for wet ingredients.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
- Silicone Spatula: Great for folding in the chocolate and nuts without damaging the batter.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Cook Ooey Gooey Cookies Like This
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold salted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the creamed butter and sugars, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a silicone spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks remaining.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, and chocolate chips. This is where the gooeyness really comes into play!
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly underbaked. This will ensure that they stay soft and gooey in the middle.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your Ooey Gooey Cookies warm for that extra melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Replace chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor and less sugar.
- Consider using a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Problems & Prevention
Even the best bakers run into challenges from time to time. Here are a few common problems and how to prevent them:
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure your butter is cold and not softened. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help.
- Cookies Are Too Dry: Make sure not to overmix the dough and keep an eye on the baking time.
- Gooey Cookies Don’t Hold Shape: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack to set.
- Uneven Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even heat distribution.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
These Ooey Gooey Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily store them for later. Here’s how:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy warm cookies later, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Quick Questions
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts, almonds, or even leave out nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free cookie.
How do I make the cookies vegan?
You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I add more chocolate?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chunks or chips for an extra indulgent cookie experience.
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Final Thoughts
Baking is a wonderful way to express creativity, and these Ooey Gooey Cookies are a testament to that. With their rich flavors, delightful textures, and the joy they bring, you’ll find that this recipe becomes a cherished part of your baking repertoire. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mix-ins or variations; after all, the best cookies are made with a little love and a lot of fun. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Happy baking!
Ooey Gooey Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cold salted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy.
- Crack the egg into the creamed butter and sugars, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a silicone spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks remaining.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, and chocolate chips.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cookies for up to 3 months for longer storage.
