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Easy Fix for Perfectly Puffy Cookies Every Time

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This recipe delivers soft, puffy cookies with a tender crumb and just the right hint of chewiness, achieved by adding cornstarch and chilling the dough.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (270 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • Sea salt flakes for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the butter and eggs out 30 minutes before baking to bring them to room temperature.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  9. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top if desired.
  10. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look soft. Avoid overbaking.
  11. Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use softened, not melted butter to prevent spreading. Chilling the dough is essential for puffiness. If cookies spread too much, chill dough longer or refrigerate scooped dough before baking. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking for added flavor contrast.

Nutrition

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