If you have an undeniable soft spot for gooey, bakery-style cookies, the Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a single, golden-brown cookie the size of a dinner plate, with crisp edges, a soft middle, and puddles of melty chocolate in every bite. This show-stopping treat is as easy as it is impressive, perfect for sharing with friends or making any celebration extra special. Whether you slice it into wedges or dive in with a spoon, this is the ultimate dessert for anyone who believes more is always better when it comes to cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about the Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly spectacular. Every component brings a unique magic—richness from butter, chew from brown sugar, a hint of salt to balance the sweet, and of course, a generous helping of chocolate chips for those iconic gooey pockets.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookie its rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture, chewiness, and a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the brown sugar and helps the cookie edges crisp up perfectly.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and makes the cookie wonderfully soft in the center.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a mellow, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides just the right structure for a cookie that’s thick yet tender.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Encourages the cookie to rise and spread just enough for that classic texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star of the show—use high-quality chips for extra chocolatey bliss.
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a sophisticated finish and makes the chocolate flavors pop.
How to Make Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for golden cookie perfection. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll want to be ready for that giant cookie reveal!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably paler in color. This step is key to creating a cookie with both chewy and crisp textures, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is completely smooth and well combined. The egg brings moisture and helps the dough hold together, while vanilla infuses every bite with a subtle, comforting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, so your Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie rises evenly and tastes perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Stop as soon as you see the last streaks of flour disappear—overworking the dough can make the cookie tough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed. This is the moment when the dough truly transforms from ordinary to extraordinary. If you like extra chocolate pools on top, now’s the time to set a few chips aside for pressing in later!
Step 7: Shape and Flatten the Dough
Gather the dough into a single, large ball and place it in the center of your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to flatten it slightly, forming a thick disk around 8 inches wide. Don’t worry if it looks rustic—the charm of the Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie is in its homemade appeal.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, watching for golden edges and a center that’s just set but still soft. Remember, the cookie will continue to firm up as it cools, so resist the urge to overbake. For bakery-style flair, press a few extra chocolate chips into the top and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Let your masterpiece cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing or serving. This step is crucial—it allows the molten chocolate to set just enough and ensures every wedge holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, scatter flaky sea salt over the warm cookie right out of the oven. The salty crunch highlights the chocolate and adds a touch of elegance. You can also dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This giant cookie is pure joy on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm center takes it to the next level. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also pair beautifully, cutting through the richness and adding a pop of color to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie straight from the baking sheet for a casual, communal vibe—hand out spoons and let everyone dig in! For parties, slice it into wedges like a cookie pizza and sprinkle each slice with a few extra chips or candies. You can even personalize each piece with mini toppings, making dessert interactive and fun for all ages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare miracle!), wrap the cookie tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and chewy, just the way you love it.
Freezing
The Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually or keep the whole cookie intact, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven before serving for that just-baked taste.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm the whole cookie in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The chocolate will become gooey again, and the aroma will fill your kitchen all over!
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Try a mix of milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist in your Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie. Chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chunks also work beautifully for larger pools of melty chocolate.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries—just lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or nonstick spray. Parchment does help prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, but a greased pan will get the job done in a pinch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before shaping and baking. This can actually deepen the flavors and improve the texture of your Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie.
How do I know when the cookie is done?
Look for golden-brown edges and a center that’s just set but still a little soft to the touch. The cookie will continue to firm up as it cools, so it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! You can double the ingredients and shape two giant cookies, or make one super-sized cookie on an extra-large baking sheet. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as a larger cookie may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers big on both taste and wow-factor, the Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie is a must-try. It’s easy, wildly delicious, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Gather your friends, preheat that oven, and bake up some joy—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
