There’s something undeniably special about a New York City-style chocolate chip cookie. With its golden exterior, soft and gooey center, and melty chocolate in every bite, this cookie walks the perfect line between indulgence and nostalgia. It’s the kind of cookie you dream about, the one you might find at a famous Manhattan bakery—warm, thick, chewy, and loaded with chocolate.

This recipe brings all that magic home. Whether you’re baking for friends, gifting a dozen, or simply treating yourself to something comforting, these NYC-style chocolate chip cookies will satisfy every time. No chilling required, no fancy equipment—just reliable ingredients and a timeless baking method.

✨ What Makes NYC-Style Cookies So Special?

New York-style chocolate chip cookies are known for their:

Thick and chewy texture with crisp edges
Generous size—often larger than your palm
High ratio of chocolate chips for maximum gooey bites
Balanced sweetness from a blend of brown and white sugars
Bakery-worthy results without complex techniques

This recipe replicates all of that magic, straight from your own oven.

🧾 Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together:

🌾 All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups)

Provides structure. NYC-style cookies need enough flour to support their thick, chunky form.

🧪 Baking Soda (1 tsp)

A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread slightly while baking—key to achieving that golden lift.

🧂 Salt (1 tsp)

Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

🧈 Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)

Butter gives these cookies a rich, buttery base. Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming with sugar.

🍬 Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) + Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed)

This sugar duo is essential:

White sugar creates crisp edges.
Brown sugar keeps the centers soft and chewy with a hint of molasses depth.

🍦 Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)

Adds warmth and depth to the dough. Use pure vanilla extract for best results.

🥚 Eggs (2 large)

Eggs add moisture, richness, and structure. Add one at a time and beat well after each for the best texture.

🍫 Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups)

The heart of the cookie! Semisweet chips melt into those dreamy chocolate pockets. You can also use chopped chocolate or a mix of milk and dark chocolate for variety.

👩‍🍳 How to Make NYC-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This high heat helps achieve golden edges while keeping the centers soft.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat until creamy and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

4. Add the Eggs

Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

6. Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
The dough should be thick and studded generously with chocolate.

7. Scoop the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls (or larger if going for authentic bakery size) onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave 2 inches of space between each for spreading.

Pro Tip: For bakery-size cookies, use a ¼ cup scoop and slightly flatten before baking.

8. Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should still look slightly soft—that’s the key to chewy cookies.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🍽 Serving Ideas

These cookies are fantastic straight from the oven, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

With a tall glass of milk (classic)
Ice cream sandwich with vanilla or coffee ice cream
Crumble over brownies or milkshakes for a dessert upgrade
Serve warm with a spoon of Nutella or peanut butter on top

❄️ Storage & Freezing Tips

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Freezing Dough

Scoop dough into balls, place on a tray, and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags. Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

🔁 Variations to Try

Nutty NYC: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
Double Chocolate: Use chocolate dough and white chips.
Salted Top: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Chunky Blend: Use half chips, half chopped dark chocolate for texture.

💬 Final Thoughts

These NYC-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything a chocolate chip cookie should be—big, chewy, chocolatey, and perfectly golden. They’re simple to make, nostalgic to eat, and absolutely unforgettable. One batch is never enough, so go ahead and double the recipe—you’ll thank yourself later.