Perfectly Sweet: Make Your Own Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookies!
Craving the rich, sweet taste of Panera’s famous cookies? Now you can enjoy that same delicious flavor at home with this copycat Panera chocolate chipper cookie recipe. This blog post provides simple instructions to recreate these perfectly sweet, chewy cookies that everyone loves. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have fresh-baked cookies ready to enjoy in no time. Try this copycat Panera chocolate chipper cookie recipe and treat yourself to bakery-quality cookies from your own kitchen!
Ingredients
For this delicious copycat panera chocolate chipper cookie Recipe, you’ll need softened unsalted butter for a smooth, rich base. The sweetness comes from ½ cup of brown sugar, which adds moisture and chewiness, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar for the perfect touch of crispiness. A large egg will bind the ingredients, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Combine with 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tablespoon of cornstarch for tenderness, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to ensure your cookies rise nicely. Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chunks for rich, melty bites and ¼ cup of chopped or shaved milk chocolate—such as a Hershey bar—to add a creamy, sweet finish to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Cream Butter and Sugars
/In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This forms the base of the dough, giving your cookies a rich and soft texture.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until everything is fully combined, ensuring a smooth and flavorful cookie dough.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, measure and whisk together the dry ingredients, such as flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Fold in Chocolate
Gently fold both kinds of chocolate (whether milk, dark, or a mix) into the batter, ensuring even distribution of chocolatey goodness throughout each cookie.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step helps develop flavor and ensures the cookies have the perfect texture.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 8 evenly sized balls and arrange them on two parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space for them to spread as they bake.
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are just browning and the tops are set. For a crisper texture, you can bake them for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely for another 20 minutes before enjoying.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips for baking cookies like Panera’s Chocolate Chippers: Bake 3 or 4 cookies per tray for the best results. Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the chilled dough evenly. While you can substitute chocolate chips for chopped milk chocolate, the chopped chocolate melts better, giving that authentic Panera experience. Leaving out cornstarch is optional, but it helps prevent excessive spreading. If your cookies still spread and get thin edges, use a bowl to reshape them. Store in an airtight container on the counter for 3-4 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze for up to a month.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
Variations
You can substitute any type of chocolate for these cookies, but using at least two varieties adds complexity to the flavor. For more consistent baking without a convection oven, try making smaller cookies and baking them for less time. If you enjoy a crispier cookie, leave them in the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes. Adding brown butter brings a delightful nutty flavor to the cookies.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
