Who doesn't love chocolate chip cookies? There are so many ways to create this common treat. We have researched and found several options for traditional chocolate chip cookies. There may even be some you have not considered!
Everyone has a basic go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe. Then there are times you need something new or different. If you are looking for some fresh ideas or ways to modify the classic treat, we have this list that includes 15 types of chocolate chip cookies:
- M&M
- Triple Chocolate Chip
- Dark Chocolate Chunk
- Inside Out Chocolate Chip
- Vegan Chocolate Chip
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip
- Grasshopper Chocolate Chunk
- White chocolate Chip
- Smores
- Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
- Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza
- Don't Judge Me Chocolate Chip Cookies
There are so many possibilities for chocolate chip cookies, but we have picked out 15 options for you to explore. Keep reading to find your next chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Types of Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. M&M
When you want to take your chocolate chip cookies up to the next level, try making M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies. The favorite chocolate candies add color and fun. It's like a party in a cookie.
2. Triple Chocolate Chip
Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies cover all the bases for chocolate lovers. Chocolate chips and chocolate chunks wrapped in a chewy chocolate cookie. This one is for those who can't get enough chocolate.
3. Dark Chocolate Chunk
If you prefer dark chocolate over any other type, then try these Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Big chunks of Ghiradelli dark chocolate surrounded by the perfect cookie. You won't be able to resist them.
4. Inside Out Chocolate Chip
The Inside Out Chocolate Chip Cookie is a rich chocolate cookie with a brownie-like center filled with white chocolate chips. If you are looking for something just a little different, this might be the recipe for you.
5. Vegan Chocolate Chip
Choosing the vegan lifestyle doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice chocolate chip cookies. You can still make great Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies even without the eggs and dairy. This simple recipe uses items that you probably already have in your pantry. Your non-vegan friends won't even know the difference.
If you need vegan chocolate chips, check out these mini chocolate chips by Enjoy Life.
6. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip
Just because you can't have gluten doesn't mean that chocolate chips cookies are off-limits. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are made with flour from a source other than wheat. For best results, it's recommended to use gluten-free flour with xanthan gum. The xanthan gum imitates gluten, providing the elasticity and structure needed for baking.
Consider using 5 star-rated King Arthur Gluten-Free flour for your baking needs.
7. Mint Chocolate Chip or Grasshopper
For some, mint and chocolate form the perfect combination. If you are one of those people, Grasshopper Chocolate Chunk Cookies might be the next thing you need to try. Huge chunks of chocolate and the refreshing coolness of mint sounds like the perfect treat after a long day.
If you don't have Creme de menthe or prefer a substitute, check out this Creme de Menthe natural extract for your recipes.
8. White chocolate Chip
White chocolate might not technically be chocolate, but it is a chocolate confection made from cocoa butter. So, it still deserves mention for those who prefer white chocolate. You might be few, but you are out there. The White Chocolate Chip Cookie is for you.
9. S'mores
You no longer have to wait for a campfire to have s'mores. Just bake up these S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookies. You get chocolate, marshmallows, and even graham crackers all packed in this cookie.
10. Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Sometimes you want one big, thick warm chocolate chip cookie. When this happens, you should try baking a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie. It's baked in a 10" or 12" cast iron skillet, depending on the thickness you prefer. Cast iron is naturally non-stick and distributes heat evenly, resulting in a crispy cookie crust but a center that remains soft and gooey.
If you don't have a 12-inch cast iron skillet, consider this Cuisnel pre-seasoned skillet with a silicone handle protector.
11. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you like oatmeal cookies, this one is for you. Oatmeal adds a layer of texture to the chewiness of the cookie. Instead of the traditional raisins, these have chocolate chips. Try the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, and we think you will be pleased with the results.
12. Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
When you want cookies but need a simple recipe, try making them with cake mix. Betty Crocker Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies are so easy, and you probably have the ingredients in your pantry. Just mix the ingredients and bake.
13. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
If you don't feel like scooping out individual cookies but still want individual pieces, you might be in the mood for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These will be thicker than a cookie, so there will be plenty of decadent chocolate in each bite.
14. Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza
Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza is quick and easy to make but is still a crowd-pleaser. What's better than one giant chocolate chip cookie? We think nothing. Even better is that it makes a great alternative for birthday cake. You can add a top layer of icing or decorate it plain.
15. Don't Judge Me Chocolate Chip Cookies
Let's face it; not everyone is a baker. You may lack baking skills or don't have time. That doesn't mean that you don't deserve warm chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven. There are many options for chocolate chip cookies that require little effort but get big results. Refrigerator dough options come by the roll that you slice, tubs that you scoop, or pre-cut that you separate and place on the pan. The best thing is that they compete pretty well with homemade.
Serve your cookies on a fancy plate like this one from Mudpie, and we bet no one will know your secret unless you tell.
How Do You Prevent Chocolate Chip Cookies From Going Flat?
Many possibilities can make cookies go flat, but butter that is too soft is the most common one. Unless a recipe specifically calls for chilled or melted butter, use butter that has softened at room temperature for around 30 minutes. If you think your butter is too soft, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour or two. Then bake like usual.
The next most common reason is too little flour. This also has an easy fix. Just add more flour by the tablespoon until you have the right texture. It's recommended to bake a test cookie in between to make sure you have it right because if you add too much flour, your cookies won't spread, and you will end up with mounds.
Next, check your sugar. If you have too much white sugar, your cookies will spread and become flat and crispy. If your recipe calls for a mix of white and brown sugar, this probably isn't the issue.
If none of these reasons seem to be the problem, then the temperature may be. Your cookie pans may be too hot. Try letting them cool between batches. Also, check your oven temperature. It may not be right for your recipe and needs adjustment.
What Makes Cookies Chewy Vs Cakey Vs Crispy?
Everyone has their preference about the texture of cookies. What you may not know is how to achieve that texture when baking cookies. Most recipes call for the same ingredients and use the same steps, so what makes the difference? Below are things that alter cookie texture, so you will know when searching recipes which one is right for you.
Chewy
The main component that affects the chewiness of a cookie is the sugar. If a recipe lists all white sugar, then it is not going to be chewy. You need brown sugar because it has more moisture. Find a recipe that calls for a mixture or if you prefer really chewy, go with all brown sugar.
The bake time can also affect the chewiness. If you pull your cookie out just a bit early, you will find that you are left with cookies that are softer and chewier when the gooey chocolate cools. If you really like to go all out gooey, swap the butter for oil. However, the 2 fats are not equivalent, so don't try to interchange them. You want to find a recipe to follow.
Cakey
For a cookie to be cake-like, it needs a leavening agent. Most recipes call for baking soda, but you also need a recipe with baking powder for the extra lift. The baking powder reacts in the dough and the oven, leaving you with a tall, fluffy cookie.
Crispy
If you prefer a crispy cookie, then we are back to the sugars. You want a recipe that is all white sugar. The white sugar will allow the cookie to spread, making it flat. You can also add to the crispiness by baking longer.
For a video on this topic, check out Chocolate Chip Cookie 101: Chewy, Crispy, Cakey:
What Is The Difference In Using Butter Vs Shortening In Cookies?
Fat is a critical component in baking cookies. It reacts with the gluten and adds moisture. The two common fats used in cookie baking are butter and shortening. The type of fat you use in your cookies makes a difference, so keep reading to know which one is best.
Butter
Butter is not 100% fat. It has added water possibly up to 20%. The steam created from the butter activates the gluten during baking, leaving you with cookies that get crispier the longer they bake. Butter also has a lower melting point which results in more spreading on the pan. Despite these things, butter is still the most popular fat. It probably is because it adds delicious flavor and richness to recipes.
Shortening
Shortening is 100% fat, so cookies baked with this product tend to be soft and tender because it doesn't have any steam to activate the gluten. Additionally, shortening has a higher melt point, which means your cookies will be taller. Unfortunately, shortening lacks flavor, so it cannot add to the overall taste of your cookies.
Final Thoughts
There really are no limits when making chocolate chip cookies. So, now get in the kitchen and bake up some warm, gooey treat for your loved ones.
If your pans start to look bad after many cookies, read: How To Remove Stains From Cookie Sheets.
Also check out: How To Make A Cookie Jar Airtight [The Key To Keeping Cookies Fresh!]