If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the indulgent, thick, and gooey cookies from the infamous Gideon’s Bakehouse, then get ready for a treat! These cookies are nothing short of spectacular—crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and bursting with layers of flavor. Whether you’re craving a decadent chocolate chip or a rich, cinnamon-infused creation, this cookie recipe brings all that signature magic straight to your kitchen. And trust me, you’re going to want to bake a batch (or two)!
Why You’ll Love Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies
- Huge and Chunky: These cookies are big, bold, and totally satisfying. They’re not your typical “small batch” cookies—Gideon’s-style cookies are meant to be a showstopper.
- Chewy Perfection: Each bite delivers that perfect chewy texture. Crispy edges, soft centers, and plenty of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Loaded with Flavor: These cookies are packed with flavor! From the rich, buttery dough to the decadent mix-ins, every bite is an explosion of sweetness and texture.
- Customization Galore: While these cookies are great as-is, feel free to get creative. Add different chocolate, nuts, or even a pinch of sea salt for a sophisticated twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Expect to have people begging for your secret recipe once they try one of these cookies. They’re always a hit at parties, gatherings, or simply enjoyed with a glass of milk.
Ingredients
To make the ultimate Gideon’s-style cookies, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Butter: Softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a little crunch to the cookie’s exterior.
- Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and that lovely caramel flavor.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and create a chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for this cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay chewy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips (or Chunks): Gideon’s is known for its massive chunks of chocolate, so feel free to get chunky with it! You can also use a combination of milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your taste.
- Other Mix-Ins (Optional): Add-ins like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a few crushed pretzels can be added for extra texture and flavor.
(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s make those Gideon’s-style cookies you’ve been dreaming about!
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl if needed.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Fold in the Chocolate and Mix-Ins:
Now it’s time for the fun part—add the chocolate chips (or chunks) and any additional mix-ins, like nuts, toffee, or candy. Stir until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop the Dough:
Use a large cookie scoop (about 2-3 tablespoons of dough) to portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. If you want truly Gideon’s-style cookies, press a few extra chocolate chunks on top of each dough ball for that irresistible look.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. For that classic gooey center, take them out when the middle is still a little undercooked.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives them time to set and helps avoid any breakage when you move them.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Gideon’s-Style Cookies
While these cookies are a treat all on their own, here are a few ideas to make the experience even better:
- With a Glass of Milk: The ultimate classic pairing. The cookies are rich and chewy, and milk helps cut through the sweetness for the perfect balance.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Turn these cookies into a decadent dessert by sandwiching some ice cream between two warm cookies. Vanilla, chocolate, or even a caramel flavor would be divine.
- For Gifting: These cookies are an amazing homemade gift. Wrap them in a cute box or tin and give them to friends and family. They’ll appreciate the thoughtful, delicious gesture!
- For Brunch or Parties: These cookies are perfect for special occasions or gatherings. The massive chunks of chocolate and the rich, chewy texture are guaranteed to impress!
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, keeping them nice and thick.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since the chocolate is a major player in these cookies, use the best quality chocolate you can find for maximum flavor.
- Customize the Mix-Ins: Get creative! Add chopped nuts, toffee bits, pretzel pieces, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a savory twist.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is uniform in size and will bake evenly. Plus, it helps create those big, gorgeous cookies like the ones from Gideon’s!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer smaller cookies, simply scoop out less dough. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller cookies will bake faster.
Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake as needed. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Q3: Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?
A3: Yes! If you don’t have chocolate chunks, chocolate chips will work perfectly. However, chunks do give those delicious, gooey pockets of chocolate that you can’t quite replicate with chips.
Q4: How do I store the cookies?
A4: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I add other flavorings to the dough?
A5: Yes! Feel free to experiment with flavors like cinnamon, espresso powder, or even a dash of almond extract for a unique twist on the classic.
These Gideon’s-style cookies will have you baking up batches of gooey, chocolate-packed goodness that rival the ones from the famous bakery. Perfect for sharing or indulging yourself, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your cookie repertoire!
PrintGideon’s Bakehouse Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 12 large cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These indulgent, chewy chocolate chip cookies are inspired by the famous Gideon’s Bakehouse cookies, known for their oversized size, rich chocolate flavor, and perfect texture. With dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Perfect for cookie lovers who enjoy a rich, decadent treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (or roughly chopped dark chocolate)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (optional for a softer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for a softer, chewier cookie texture)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies before baking)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop large portions of dough (about 3 tablespoons per cookie) and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to give the cookies a sweet, crispy exterior.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra thickness and chewiness, you can refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- These cookies are designed to be large and thick, so don’t be afraid to make the dough balls on the bigger side for that Gideon’s Bakehouse effect.
- You can mix in other ingredients like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or toffee bits for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg