How do you make cookies chewy?

Ingredient Choices:

* Brown sugar: Brown sugar is key for chewiness! Its molasses content makes the cookies soft and moist. Use a combination of brown and granulated sugar for the best balance of chewy and crispy.

* Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. Room temperature butter will make the cookies more spreadable and chewy.

* Eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture. Use large eggs for the best results.

* Flour: Use all-purpose flour. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be careful not to overwork the dough.

* Milk: A splash of milk can help with hydration and create a softer texture.

* Baking soda: Baking soda promotes browning and contributes to a slightly chewy texture.

* Other Ingredients: Add ingredients like oats, nuts, and chocolate chips for flavor and texture.

Baking Techniques:

* Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and creating a chewy texture.

* Don't Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies. Bake until the edges are just lightly browned and the centers are still slightly soft.

* Rest on the Baking Sheet: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to cool and set properly.

Tips:

* Use a good quality baking sheet: A dark metal baking sheet will absorb heat better than a light-colored one, leading to more even browning and chewiness.

* Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Space cookies out so they can bake evenly.

* Use a cookie scoop: This ensures consistent size and baking time for all cookies.

* Experiment with different ratios of brown to granulated sugar: Adjust the amounts to find your preferred level of chewiness.

* Add a pinch of salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the cookies and helps balance the sweetness.

Here's a simple chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 3/4 cup granulated sugar

* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

* 2 large eggs

* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.

5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.

7. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your chewy chocolate chip cookies!