Great American Cookies Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (Copycat Recipe)
If you've ever walked through a mall and been tempted by the smell of freshly baked Great American Cookies, you're not alone. Their famous chocolate chip cookies are known for their buttery flavor, soft centers, chewy texture, and generous amount of chocolate chips.
This copycat Great American Cookies recipe captures everything people love about the original while being easy enough to make in your own kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Soft and chewy texture
Loaded with chocolate chips
Buttery flavor
Crisp golden edges
Easy homemade recipe
Tastes just like the mall favorite
What Makes Great American Cookies Different?
Great American Cookies are famous for:
Soft centers
Slightly crisp edges
Rich butter flavor
Large cookie size
Plenty of chocolate chips
Unlike many bakery cookies, they're designed to stay soft for days.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop
How to Make Great American Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time.
Add vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Cornstarch
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
This helps create thicker cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Scoop large dough balls onto prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
The centers should still appear slightly underbaked.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Secret Tips for Soft Bakery Cookies
Don't overbake.
Chill the dough first.
Use brown sugar for moisture.
Slightly underbake the centers.
Store in an airtight container.
What Do Great American Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies are buttery, sweet, soft, and packed with chocolate.
The edges develop a slight crispness while the centers remain chewy and tender.
Variations
Double Chocolate
Add chocolate chunks and cocoa powder.
Cookie Cake
Press dough into a pizza pan and bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Add ½ cup peanut butter to the dough.
M&M Cookie Version
Replace part of the chocolate chips with M&M candies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
Why are my cookies flat?
Warm butter or skipping the chilling step can cause spreading.
How do I make them extra soft?
Slightly underbake and store in an airtight container.
Can I make a cookie cake?
Absolutely. Great American Cookies is famous for its cookie cakes.
Storage
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 Cookie
Calories: 285
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 22g
More Cookie Recipes You'll Love
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Oreo Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Final Thoughts
This Great American Cookies copycat recipe delivers everything you love about the iconic mall cookie. Soft, chewy, buttery, and loaded with chocolate chips, these homemade cookies taste just like the bakery version and are guaranteed to disappear fast.