The ultimate cookie for chocolate lovers, these NYC-style chocolate chip cookies are thick, chewy, and generously studded with pools of melted chocolate. Inspired by the famed bakery-style cookies from New York, this recipe balances a golden crust with a soft and gooey center that melts in your mouth. Whether you enjoy them slightly warm with a sprinkle of sea salt or save them for later as the perfect snack, these cookies are the real deal. With minimal chilling required and no stand mixer necessary, they’re an achievable and luxurious treat for both novice bakers and cookie connoisseurs alike.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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225g unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
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200g light brown sugar
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100g granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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400g plain flour
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1 tbsp cornflour
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1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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300g dark or milk chocolate chips (or a mix)
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Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan) / 350°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, beat the cubed cold butter with both sugars until creamy but still thick (don’t over-whip).
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat again briefly to combine.
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Add the flour, cornflour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
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Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Weigh your cookie dough into large balls (about 100g each for classic NYC size).
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Chill the dough balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or freeze for 10 minutes for faster results).
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Space the dough balls well apart on your trays and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden around the edges and still soft in the center.
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Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm (optional), and let cool on the tray for 30 minutes before transferring.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 29 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 10 giant cookies
NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Bakery-Style Treat You Can Make at Home
The Story Behind NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies
The famed New York City-style chocolate chip cookie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a phenomenon. Popularized by iconic bakeries such as Levain Bakery and Dominique Ansel, these cookies are known for their oversized appearance, crisp exterior, and soft, gooey center. They’ve become a symbol of indulgence, drawing lines of eager customers hoping to get their hands on one.
Our homemade version brings that bakery experience into your own kitchen, without needing to fly to NYC. Using cold butter instead of softened, a mix of sugars, and a unique ratio of ingredients, this recipe replicates the texture and depth of flavor that made these cookies legendary.
What Makes This Cookie So Special
Not all chocolate chip cookies are created equal. While traditional cookies are often thin and soft or crisp throughout, NYC-style cookies focus on boldness and decadence.
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Thick & chewy: These cookies are deliberately large and tall, which allows them to stay gooey in the center while developing a beautiful crust outside.
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Rich flavor: Thanks to a mix of brown and white sugar, you get a deep caramel undertone and balanced sweetness.
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Cold butter advantage: Unlike most recipes that use room temperature butter, this one uses cold butter to prevent overspreading and maintain structure.
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Perfect texture contrast: You’ll bite into a slightly crisp edge that gives way to a melt-in-the-mouth center.
These are the kinds of cookies you’ll see stacked in bakery displays, begging to be broken apart to reveal a melty chocolate core.
Healthier Than You Think (In Moderation!)
Okay, let’s not kid ourselves—these are cookies, not kale chips. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have some unexpected benefits:
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Simple ingredients: No preservatives or artificial additives—just real, whole ingredients from your pantry.
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Satisfying portion control: Because they’re large, you’ll likely feel satisfied with one (instead of eating five small ones).
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Customizable chocolate: Use dark chocolate for less sugar and added antioxidants, or mix in chopped nuts for protein and healthy fats.
If you’re looking to treat yourself while still being mindful of what goes into your food, baking these at home is a great option.
Why This Recipe Beats the Rest
There are countless chocolate chip cookie recipes online, but here’s why this one stands out:
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Tested to perfection: Adapted from one of the internet’s most beloved baking bloggers, Jane’s Patisserie, this recipe has been tried and loved by thousands.
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No chilling overnight: Unlike other bakery-style cookies that require hours of chilling, this dough only needs 30 minutes in the fridge—or just 10 minutes in the freezer if you’re impatient.
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Customizable: You can swap chocolate chips for chunks, mix dark and milk chocolate, or even sprinkle a bit of flaky salt on top for an elevated finish.
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Freezer-friendly: Make a batch of dough balls, freeze them, and bake a few fresh anytime a craving hits. No more store-bought dough needed.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
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Weigh your ingredients: Especially with baking, accuracy matters. A kitchen scale will give you consistent results every time.
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Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft.
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Use high-quality chocolate: This is the star of the show. Invest in good chips or chop a bar of your favorite chocolate for the ultimate gooey pools.
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Space them out: These cookies spread a bit, so give them room to breathe on the tray.
Baking is both a science and an art—follow the steps, and you’ll be rewarded with bakery-level results.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a party, a weekend treat, or a cozy night in, NYC-style chocolate chip cookies are a showstopper. Their impressive size and texture make them ideal for:
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Birthday parties and celebrations
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Bake sales and gifting
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After-school snacks or dessert for guests
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Comfort food for a rainy day
They also pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. Serve them warm for that irresistibly gooey middle that pulls apart like a dream.
How to Store and Freeze
These cookies stay delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. But you can also make them ahead of time:
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Fridge: Store shaped dough in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake straight from frozen with just a few extra minutes of baking time.
This makes it easy to bake just a few at a time, so you always have fresh cookies without the mess.
FAQ About NYC Cookies
Can I make them smaller?
Yes! Just reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes and watch for golden edges.
Why cold butter?
It keeps the dough firmer and prevents spreading, creating that thick bakery look.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Absolutely, but it’s not required. A wooden spoon or handheld mixer works just fine.
Why sea salt on top?
That touch of flaky salt adds contrast and enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience, this NYC-style recipe delivers in every bite. It’s big, bold, gooey, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just someone who loves dessert, these cookies are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re more than just a treat—they’re a statement. A reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are thick, sweet, and baked with love.