These flat chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat for anyone craving a chewy yet crispy indulgence.
The mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar provides a deep, caramelized flavor, while the touch of kosher salt enhances the taste of the chocolate.
Ideal for an afternoon snack or as a dessert at a gathering, this recipe results in cookies that are irresistibly chewy on the inside, yet crispy on the outside.
The inclusion of vanilla extract brings an aromatic sweetness to the overall flavor.
Baking enthusiast or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you make the best flat and crispy chocolate chip cookies that will surely impress your family and friends.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into the cookie magic!
Why Choose Flat Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Flat chocolate chip cookies are a classic variation of the traditional thick and chewy version. The beauty of these cookies lies in their crispiness and delicate texture.
They spread out more during baking, resulting in a wider surface area that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
The contrast between the crispy edges and the gooey chocolate chips inside makes these cookies irresistible.
This Flat Chocolate Chip Cookies is an absolute must-try. Plus, these cookies are quick and easy to prepare!

How To Prepare Flat Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Recipe Details:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 200 per cookie
Yield: 24 cookies
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 8 ounces butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chopped bittersweet chocolate (chunks and shavings)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
How To Make Flat Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Fold in the chopped bittersweet chocolate and toasted walnuts (if using). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Our Favorite Ways To Serve It Up
There are endless ways to enjoy these flat chocolate chip cookies! For an indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious cookie sundae.
You can also pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate snack break. For a fun twist, crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal to add a sweet crunch. No matter how you serve them, these crispy, chocolaty cookies are sure to be a hit!
How To Make With More Delicious
1. Add a Touch of Sea Salt:
After baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) on top of each cookie while they are still warm. The contrast between the sweet chocolate and the salty finish will elevate the flavor, giving each bite a sophisticated twist.
2. Incorporate Brown Butter:
For a deeper, richer flavor, brown the butter before using it in the recipe. To brown butter, melt it in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns a golden amber color and has a nutty aroma.
Let it cool slightly before mixing it into your dough. This step will add a toasty, caramel-like flavor that will make your cookies irresistible.
3. Use a Mix of Chocolates:
Experiment with different types of chocolate to add more depth to the flavor. For example, try adding a mix of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even white chocolate chunks.
This variety will give each cookie a delightful, complex taste with varied sweetness and cocoa intensity.
4. Add Espresso Powder:
For an unexpected twist, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder or instant coffee granules into the dry ingredients.
The coffee will complement the chocolate, enhancing its richness and creating a more sophisticated flavor profile.
5. Try Toasted Coconut Flakes:
For a tropical twist, stir in some toasted coconut flakes with the walnuts or in place of them. Toasted coconut adds both crunch and a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate in the cookies.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Cookies
➤ Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
➤ Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies due to excess gluten formation.
➤ Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough and even mixing.
➤ Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid overpacking the measuring cup, which can make cookies dry.
➤ Watch the Baking Time: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to cook on the sheet.
What Makes A Chocolate Chip Cookie Flat?
A chocolate chip cookie flattens due to a combination of factors: using more butter, less flour, and a higher sugar-to-flour ratio.
The melted butter helps the dough spread out, while the sugar promotes spreading as well. Baking at a higher temperature also helps the cookies spread quickly, resulting in a flat, crispy texture with golden edges.
Why Did Chocolate Chip Cookies Not Flatten?
If chocolate chip cookies don’t flatten, it could be due to several factors. Overmixing the dough can incorporate too much air, preventing proper spreading.
Using too much flour or chilling the dough for too long can also result in thicker cookies. Additionally, using cold butter instead of softened butter may cause the dough to hold its shape and not spread as intended.
Storage And Reheating Tips
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their softness and flavor. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
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Conclusion
These flat chocolate chip cookies are a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor, delightful crunch, and chewy goodness.
The addition of walnuts adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, though they can easily be left out for a classic chocolate chip cookie.
They’re not just a dessert, but a comforting indulgence that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat!

Flat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Baking sheet
- parchment paper,
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 8 ounces butter softened
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chopped bittersweet chocolate chunks and shavings
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped toasted walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped bittersweet chocolate and toasted walnuts (if using). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!