The Ultimate Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cookie Recipe: Thick, Chewy & Perfectly Sweet
Indulge in the magic of Chick-Fil-A’s beloved chocolate chunk cookies right in your own kitchen! These soft, thick, and incredibly chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are packed with rich dark brown sugar, two delightful kinds of chocolate, and a hint of a secret ingredient – honey. Get ready to recreate that iconic taste you adore, just like the ones from Chick-Fil-A!
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a warm Chick-Fil-A chocolate chunk cookie, you know exactly what the hype is about. That perfect combination of thick, soft, and chewy texture with pockets of melty chocolate is simply irresistible. Often, they even offer to warm them up for you, transforming them into a heavenly, gooey delight!
These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies. Chick-Fil-A’s version has a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart, thanks to a special touch. The good news? You no longer have to wait for your next drive-thru visit to enjoy them. We’re here to reveal the secrets and show you how to bake these phenomenal copycat cookies at home, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
What Makes Chick-Fil-A Cookies So Special?
While these cookies share many characteristics with classic chocolate chip cookies, it’s the addition of one particular ingredient that truly elevates them. That’s right – honey is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their distinctive depth of flavor and contributes to their incredibly soft, chewy texture. Don’t even think about leaving it out if you want that authentic Chick-Fil-A taste!
Beyond the honey, a careful selection of other ingredients works in harmony to create this beloved treat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for your homemade batch:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient for structure.
- Quick Cooking Oats: These are key for adding a tender chewiness and a subtle nutty flavor, contributing to the cookie’s unique texture without making it taste overtly “oatmeal-y.”
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our leavening agents that ensure a soft, slightly risen, and perfectly textured cookie.
- Dark Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The combination of both sugars is crucial. Dark brown sugar provides moisture, chewiness, and a rich, molasses-like flavor, while granulated sugar helps with spread and crisp edges.
- Vegetable Shortening & Butter: This dynamic duo is a game-changer! The classic chocolate chip cookies I grew up with always used half shortening and half butter. While some bakers might shy away from shortening, it’s essential here. Shortening contributes significantly to the cookie’s unparalleled softness and helps maintain its shape during baking, preventing excessive spreading. The butter, of course, adds that rich, irresistible flavor.
- Honey: As mentioned, this is our secret weapon, adding a unique sweetness and a lovely moistness.
- Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate and honey beautifully.
- Eggs: Binders that add moisture and richness to the dough.
- Milk Chocolate Chips & Chocolate Chunks: Using two types of chocolate ensures a variety of melty goodness. The chips distribute evenly, while the chunks create those glorious pools of melted chocolate you crave.
Baking Your Own Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful cookies at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time. Remember, the key is careful measurement and not overmixing!
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick cooking oats, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Fats and Sugars: Using an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined – this can take 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the honey, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop the mixer as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- Fold in the Chocolate: Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips and about one cup of the chocolate chunks. For that bakery-style look, I like to reserve about half of the chocolate chunks to press onto the tops of the cookie dough balls just before baking. This makes for beautifully melty chocolate pools on top!
- Scoop and Shape: Scoop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. If you’re aiming for those impressively giant cookies like Chick-Fil-A serves, use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop. Place them a few inches apart. Don’t forget to press a few of those reserved chocolate chunks onto the top of each dough ball for maximum visual appeal and extra chocolatey goodness.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for approximately 12-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear just set but still slightly soft. If you opt for smaller cookies, reduce the baking time to about 9-10 minutes. The key is to slightly underbake them to ensure they remain soft and chewy after cooling.
- Cooling Process: Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking tray for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up without breaking. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, enjoy one warm with a glass of milk!
No Chilling Required for Instant Gratification!
One of the best things about this copycat Chick-Fil-A cookie recipe? There is no chilling involved! That means you can go from craving a warm, homemade cookie to actually enjoying one in about 30 minutes. This is perfect for impromptu baking sessions or when a sudden sweet tooth strikes.
However, if you’re a planner and prefer to prepare the dough ahead of time, you absolutely can. The dough can sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking if it’s been in the fridge for an extended period.
How to Store Your Delicious Cookies
Once your cookies have completely cooled, proper storage is key to maintaining their incredible softness and chewiness. To store these cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! You can place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked, gooey chocolate experience.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Chick-Fil-A Copycat Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, shortening, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them cream together smoothly and evenly, leading to a consistent dough texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the flour can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to too much dry ingredient.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats prevents sticking and promotes even baking and easy cleanup.
- Slightly Underbake: For the ultimate soft and chewy cookie, take them out of the oven when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft or underbaked. They will continue to cook and set as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
- Quality Chocolate: Using good quality milk chocolate chips and chocolate chunks makes a noticeable difference in flavor and melt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-Fil-A Cookies
- What makes Chick-Fil-A cookies so soft?
- The combination of vegetable shortening and butter, along with dark brown sugar for moisture, and a touch of honey, all contribute to their incredibly soft and chewy texture.
- Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
- Quick-cooking oats are recommended for their ability to blend into the cookie dough seamlessly while still providing that signature chew. Regular rolled oats might give a more pronounced oatmeal texture, which isn’t quite the Chick-Fil-A style.
- Is the honey really necessary?
- Yes! Honey is considered the “secret ingredient” in this copycat recipe. It adds a subtle depth of flavor and moisture that truly sets these cookies apart from a standard chocolate chip cookie. Don’t skip it!
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking for the best results.
- How do I get the chocolate to look melty on top?
- Reserve some of the chocolate chunks and press them onto the tops of the scooped dough balls right before baking. As the cookies bake, these exposed chocolate pieces will melt beautifully on the surface.
And if you’re looking to complete your ultimate Chick-Fil-A at-home experience, don’t miss these amazing Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets!
More Great Cookie Recipes to Try
If you love baking, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic cookie creations:
- Brownie Cookies: Rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey.
- Bisquick Cookies: Super easy cookies made with a pantry staple.
- Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies: Our go-to classic recipe for a reason!
- Sugar Cookie Bars: All the fun of sugar cookies in an easy bar form.
- Soft Monster Cookies: Packed with oats, peanut butter, and M&Ms.
- Andes Mint Cake Mix Cookies: Simple, flavorful, and incredibly moist.
- Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: The ultimate frozen dessert.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic combination everyone loves.
Chick-Fil-A Cookie Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 1/2 cup chocolate chunks
- 1 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C).
-
Mix together the flour, oats, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.
-
Using an electric stand mixer, cream together the butter, shortening, and both sugars. Beat until everything comes together and is light and well combined (about 2-3 minutes).
-
Add in the honey, vanilla extract and eggs and mix until the eggs are fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
-
Next, gradually add in the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until it is just fully combined. Do not overmix. Stop the mixer to scrape down the sides as necessary.
-
Fold in the milk chocolate chips and about 1 cup of chocolate chunks. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks for topping.
-
Scoop balls of dough (using a 1/4 cup measure for large cookies, or a standard cookie scoop for smaller ones) onto a lined baking sheet. Top each with a few of the reserved chocolate chunks.
-
Bake for about 12-13 minutes for large cookies, or 9-10 minutes for smaller ones, or until the edges are just golden brown and the top is set but still soft in the center.
-
Let them cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Enjoyed this recipe? Share your thoughts below!
Join Our Baking Community! I’ve created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a vibrant place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay up-to-date with all the new recipes from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts. Never miss out on a delicious update!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create!
Stay connected and never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram