Great American Cookie Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air can instantly lift your spirits and transport you back to fond childhood memories of warm, comforting treats. But have you ever wondered how to recreate that magic at home? As a longtime admirer of these iconic cookies, I’ve gone on a quest to bring the essence of Great American Cookies into our kitchens.

How to make Great American Cookie

Great American Cookies is a U.S.-based chain of franchised bakeries renowned for its freshly baked cookies and signature Cookie Cakes.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (This is the secret ingredient for that soft texture!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 whole egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature

Mix-ins:

• 1 and 1/2 cups chocolate chips (or a mix of chocolate chips and chunks for varied texture)

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures these smaller ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the vanilla extract, then incorporate the egg and yolk until the mixture is light and creamy. This foundation contributes to the rich flavor and chewy texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
5. Add the Chocolate: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate to your preference.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Chilling is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks soft. They will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Butter Temperature: Ensure your melted butter is not too hot; it should be just melted but not sizzling.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps control the spread and enhances the flavors.
• Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, different types of chocolate, or even bits of candy.
• Baking Time: Keep a close eye on them as they bake, as overbaked cookies lose that coveted chewy center.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for days.

What to serve with

Pairing the right accompaniment with your freshly baked Great American cookies can elevate the taste experience to a whole new level.

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream between two Great American Cookies makes for an irresistible ice cream sandwich, offering a delightful contrast between the soft, chewy cookies and the cold, creamy ice cream. You can experiment with different ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even mint chip for a refreshing twist. For an added touch of indulgence, roll the edges of your ice cream sandwiches in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts.
• Milk: Perhaps the most classic and beloved pairing is Great American Cookies with a cold glass of milk. Dunking a chocolate chip cookie into a glass of whole milk or your preferred alternative (almond, soy, oat) enhances the flavors and gives you that cozy, comforting feeling. For a gourmet twist, try serving with flavored milk such as strawberry or chocolate, or even a non-dairy nut milk for a nuttier complement to the cookies.
• Coffee and Tea: For those who enjoy a warm beverage with their baked goods, coffee and tea both make excellent partners for cookies. A strong, black coffee provides a robust contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, cleansing the palate between bites. Alternatively, a latte or cappuccino offers a creamy balance that’s particularly enjoyable in cooler weather. For tea lovers, a classic black tea or an aromatic chai can accentuate the spices in your cookie recipe, while green tea provides a delicate, refreshing counterpoint.
• Dessert Wine and Liqueurs: For an adult twist, pair your cookies with a dessert wine like a Moscato, Port, or Riesling. These wines complement the sweetness and richness of the cookies without overpowering their flavor. Liqueurs such as Baileys Irish Cream, Amaretto, or Frangelico can also be delightful, either sipped alongside or drizzled over the cookies for an extra luxurious treat.
• Fruit: For a lighter accompaniment, serve your cookies with a side of fresh fruit. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, offer a tart contrast to the sweet cookies, creating a balanced and refreshing dessert option. Sliced apples or pears can also work well, especially if you’re serving cookies that include cinnamon or nutmeg in the recipe.
• Cheese: For a sophisticated pairing, try serving a selection of cheeses with your cookies. Choose mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, which won’t overpower the sweetness of the cookies. For a bolder taste, a slice of sharp cheddar or aged Gouda can offer a delightful contrast, creating a savory-sweet experience that’s sure to impress.
• Nut Butters: Offer a side of nut butters like almond, peanut, or cashew butter for dipping or spreading on the cookies. This not only adds a rich, creamy texture but also boosts the protein content, making for a more satisfying snack.

Ingredients Substitutes

Adapting the classic Great American Cookie recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions and health preferences or simply working with what you have in your pantry can be straightforward with the right substitutes.

1. Flour Substitutes

• All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour: A direct substitute for all-purpose flour that caters to those with gluten sensitivities. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of gluten.
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These offer low-carb, gluten-free alternatives. Almond flour adds richness, while coconut flour is highly absorbent and may require additional liquid in the recipe.

2. Sugar Substitutes

• Coconut Sugar: A one-to-one substitute for white or brown sugar that offers a lower glycemic index.
• Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: These can replace granulated sugar as a natural sweetener option. You’ll need to adjust the amount (typically ¾ cup of liquid sweetener for every 1 cup of sugar) and reduce other liquids in the recipe to maintain the correct consistency.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Calorie-free options are ideal for those watching their sugar intake. These are much sweeter than regular sugar, so you’ll need to use less. Follow the conversion chart on the packaging for best results.

3. Egg Substitutes

• Applesauce or Mashed Bananas: Use ¼ cup to replace one egg. These fruit purees add moisture and bind the ingredients, similar to eggs, but can add a slight fruit flavor.
• Flaxseed or Chia Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. This option is perfect for vegan recipes and adds additional fiber.

4. Butter Substitutes

• Coconut Oil: Use a 1:1 ratio for butter. It’s a vegan option that can add a slight coconut flavor, ideal for cookies.
• Applesauce: For a lower-fat option, use half the amount of applesauce as the recipe calls for butter. This substitute works best in soft cookie recipes.
• Vegan Butter or Margarine: A direct substitute for dairy butter that works seamlessly in cookie recipes.

5. Dairy Milk Substitutes

• Almond, Soy, Coconut, or Oat Milk: Use a 1:1 ratio for cow’s milk. Choose unsweetened varieties to avoid altering the sweetness of the cookies.

6. Chocolate Chips or Cocoa Powder Substitutes

• Carob Chips: A caffeine-free, lower-fat option for chocolate chips that are ideal for those with chocolate sensitivities.
• Cacao Nibs: For a less processed, sugar-free option, cacao nibs can replace chocolate chips, adding a rich, slightly bitter chocolate flavor.

7. Vanilla Extract Substitute

• Maple Syrup: If you’re out of vanilla, a small amount of maple syrup can provide a similar warm, sweet flavor background to your cookies.

8. Baking Powder Substitute

• Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: If you’re out of baking powder, you can make your own by mixing ¼ teaspoon baking soda with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to equal 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Final Thoughts

While this recipe aims to bring the taste of Great American Cookies into your home, remember, part of the fun is making it your own. Experiment with different add-ins or adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Happy baking!