Name: Great American Cookie Recipe: A Timeless Classic for Every Sweet Tooth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever strolled through a shopping mall and been lured by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Great American Cookies, you’ve likely encountered the magic of these iconic treats. These sweet, soft, and chewy delights are a quintessential indulgence—perfect for celebrating milestones, making someone’s day brighter, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that brings the legendary Great American Cookie experience right into your kitchen!

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly crisp on the edges but irresistibly gooey in the center. Sound heavenly? Let’s get started!

These cookies have all the qualities we crave in a classic cookie recipe:

Taste: A harmonious blend of buttery richness, caramelized brown sugar, and creamy chocolate chips in every bite.
Texture: A soft, chewy middle with just the right amount of crunch on the edges.
Versatility: From adding nuts to swapping out chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips, the options are endless!

Plus, these cookies are ridiculously easy to make, making them perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

Ingredients for Great American Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of cookies that taste just like the ones from the store:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Tools You’ll Need

To make these cookies effortlessly, you’ll want:

A large mixing bowl and an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk).
Measuring cups and spoons.
A silicone spatula or wooden spoon.
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
A cookie scoop (optional but helpful for uniform cookies).

Let’s break it down into simple steps for cookie-baking success!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough. For even distribution, use a spatula to mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly undercooked (they’ll continue to bake as they cool).

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Customizing Your Cookies

One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make these cookies uniquely yours:

Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Try Different Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel chips.
Make it Festive: Mix in colorful sprinkles for a fun, party-ready look.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try pairing them with:

A tall glass of cold milk.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies.
A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel on top.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so stir just until combined.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Keep an Eye on the Oven: All ovens vary, so check your cookies at the 10-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freeze the Dough: Scoop cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake as needed—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to overly soft butter or warm dough. Try chilling the dough before baking.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily for larger batches.

A Sweet Finish

These Great American Cookies are everything you want in a classic cookie—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to share your creations! Leave a review, snap a photo, and tag us on Pinterest—we’d love to see your cookie masterpieces.

Looking for more sweet inspiration? Try this Cheesecake Fudge Recipe for a decadent no-bake treat, or cool down with this refreshing Tropical Miracle Juice.

Calories: 220
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 18g