Chocolate Overload Cookies recipe

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

This isn’t just a recipe for chocolate cookies; it’s the blueprint for a chocolate intervention, a full-blown cocoa celebration that we fondly call “Chocolate Overload Cookies” in my house. I first baked these on a particularly gloomy weekend, craving something utterly decadent, something that screamed “CHOCOLATE!” from every crumb. I gathered every type of chocolate I had – dark, milk, semi-sweet, cocoa powder – and decided to throw caution (and moderation) to the wind. As they baked, the aroma that enveloped my kitchen was unlike anything else – a deep, rich, almost primal chocolate scent that had my entire family migrating towards the oven like moths to a flame. The first bite was, without exaggeration, life-changing. The edges were perfectly crisp, yielding to an incredibly fudgy, chewy center, bursting with pockets of molten chocolate in varying degrees of sweetness and intensity. My son, a chocoholic in training, just closed his eyes and mumbled, “This is… everything.” My husband, usually a man of few words when it comes to sweets, simply reached for a second, then a third. These cookies don’t just satisfy a chocolate craving; they conquer it, leaving you in a state of blissful chocolate saturation. They’ve since become our go-to for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever we need a serious dose of happiness.

The Ultimate Chocolate Overload Cookies: A Chocoholic’s Dream

Prepare to enter a realm of pure chocolate ecstasy with these Chocolate Overload Cookies. This isn’t a cookie for the faint of heart; it’s an unapologetic celebration of all things chocolate. We’re talking a rich, dark cocoa-infused dough, further deepened with melted chocolate, and then generously studded with not one, not two, but three types of chocolate chips and chunks. Each bite is a symphony of textures and chocolate intensities, from the slightly crisp edges to the impossibly fudgy, chewy center, and the delightful surprise of various molten chocolate pockets. If you believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, then this recipe is your new holy grail.

Why This Chocolate Overload Cookie Recipe Reigns Supreme

In a world filled with chocolate cookie recipes, this “Chocolate Overload” version stands tall, a veritable monument to cocoa. Here’s why it will conquer your cravings and become your go-to:

  1. Unparalleled Chocolate Intensity: This recipe doesn’t just dabble in chocolate; it dives headfirst. With high-quality cocoa powder, melted dark chocolate integrated into the dough, and a generous trio of dark, milk, and semi-sweet chocolate chips/chunks, the depth and complexity of chocolate flavor are simply off the charts.
  2. Dreamy Texture Combination: We’re talking cookie perfection here: slightly crisp edges that give way to an incredibly soft, chewy, and fudgy interior. The varied sizes and types of chocolate pieces ensure that some melt into gooey pools while others retain a bit of their shape, offering delightful textural surprises.
  3. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Despite the “overload” of chocolate, the sweetness is carefully balanced. The use of bittersweet or dark chocolate components prevents the cookies from becoming cloyingly sweet, allowing the true cocoa notes to shine.
  4. Visually Stunning: These cookies look as good as they taste. Dark, mysterious, and generously studded with chocolate, they are a feast for the eyes, promising the decadent experience that awaits.
  5. Surprisingly Easy to Achieve: While the ingredient list might look like a chocolatier’s shopping list, the method is straightforward, following standard cookie-making techniques. The “wow” factor far outweighs the effort involved.
  6. Adaptable to Your Chocolate Preferences: While a specific trio of chocolate is recommended, you can certainly play around with your favorite types and percentages of cacao, making them truly your own “overload.”
  7. The Ultimate Comfort Cookie: There’s something inherently comforting about a truly great chocolate cookie, and these take that comfort to an entirely new level. They are the perfect antidote to a tough day or the ultimate treat for a celebration.

This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience, a bold statement in chocolate that will leave every chocoholic utterly satisfied.

Deconstructing the “Overload”: The Chocolate Trio (and More!)

The “overload” in these cookies isn’t just about quantity; it’s about the strategic use of different types and forms of chocolate to create layers of flavor and texture. Here’s how each chocolate component contributes:

  1. High-Quality Cocoa Powder (The Foundation):
    • Role: This provides the deep, foundational chocolate flavor to the cookie dough itself. It’s what makes the cookie inherently chocolatey, not just a plain cookie with chocolate chips.
    • Type: Dutch-process cocoa powder is often preferred for its darker color and smoother, less acidic flavor, which contributes to a richer, more intense chocolate taste. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder can also be used, yielding a slightly lighter color and tangier profile.
    • Impact: Without good cocoa, the cookie base would lack that profound chocolate backbone.
  2. Melted Dark or Bittersweet Chocolate (The Fudgy Secret):
    • Role: Incorporating melted chocolate directly into the batter does wonders for the texture, making the cookies incredibly fudgy, moist, and chewy. It also intensifies the overall chocolate flavor.
    • Type: Using dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) or bittersweet chocolate adds a sophisticated, less sweet chocolate note that balances the sugars and other chocolate types.
    • Impact: This is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth, brownie-like quality in the center.
  3. The Trio of Chocolate Chips/Chunks (The Treasure Trove):
    • Dark Chocolate Chips/Chunks (e.g., 60-72% cacao):
      • Role: These provide intense, slightly bitter, and complex chocolate notes that cut through the sweetness. They often melt into luxurious, dark pools.
    • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips/Chunks (e.g., 45-55% cacao):
      • Role: The classic chocolate chip flavor! These offer a balanced sweetness and familiar chocolate taste, melting beautifully while sometimes retaining a slight bite.
    • Milk Chocolate Chips/Chunks:
      • Role: These add a creamy, sweeter, more mellow chocolate flavor that contrasts nicely with the darker chocolates. They contribute to the overall “comfort food” feel and often create delightfully gooey pockets.
    • Impact of the Trio: Using a combination of chips and chunks in different cacao percentages creates a dynamic eating experience. You get varying levels of sweetness, bitterness, and creaminess in every bite, along with different melting characteristics. Some pieces will create molten pools, while others (especially chunks) might hold their shape more, offering a satisfying chocolate bite.

This strategic layering of chocolate is what truly defines the “Chocolate Overload” experience, making each cookie a complex and deeply satisfying journey for the palate.

Gather Your Chocolate Arsenal: Ingredients List

To embark on this chocolate adventure, you’ll need an array of high-quality chocolate and some classic cookie staples:

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces (113g) good quality dark or bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped, for melting
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (or natural unsweetened)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra chewiness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate “Overload” Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
  • 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips or chunks (60-72% cacao recommended)
  • 1 cup (170g) milk chocolate chips or chunks

Equipment Needed:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
  • Small heatproof bowl (for melting chocolate)
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cookie scoop (medium or large, depending on desired cookie size)

Ingredient Notes:

  • Butter and Eggs: Ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted) and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and emulsification.
  • Chocolate for Melting: Use good quality bar chocolate that you chop yourself, as it melts more smoothly than chips (which often contain stabilizers).
  • Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process will yield a darker, richer cookie. Natural unsweetened will give a slightly lighter color and a more traditional chocolate tang.
  • Chocolate Add-Ins: A mix of chips and chunks provides great textural variety. Feel free to use all chips or all chunks if preferred. The quality of these chocolates will significantly impact the final cookie.

Step-by-Step to Chocolate Nirvana: Instructions

Follow these instructions carefully to craft the most decadent Chocolate Overload Cookies you’ve ever experienced.

Phase 1: Prepare Wet Ingredients & Melt Chocolate

  1. Melt Chocolate for Dough: Place the 4 ounces of chopped dark or bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt it either in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth, or over a saucepan of gently simmering water (double boiler method), ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer), beat the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Beat in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined and the batter is a uniform chocolate color.

Phase 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Ensure there are no lumps, especially from the cocoa powder (sifting is recommended if your cocoa is lumpy).

Phase 3: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture in two or three additions. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as most of the flour streaks have disappeared. Overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough cookies.
  2. Fold in Chocolate Overload: Add all three types of chocolate chips/chunks (semi-sweet, dark, and milk) to the dough. Using a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and very chocolatey.
  3. Chill the Dough (Crucial Step!): Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 48 hours). Chilling is essential for several reasons:
    • It allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
    • It solidifies the fat, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
    • It makes the dough easier to handle and scoop.

Phase 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Scoop Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons for regular-sized cookies) or a large cookie scoop (3-4 tablespoons for bakery-style cookies), scoop portions of dough and place them about 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  3. Bake: Bake for 10-14 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies and your oven.
    • For softer, chewier cookies, bake until the edges are set and appear slightly matte, but the centers still look a little soft and underdone. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
    • For slightly crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  4. Cool Cookies:
    • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes. They will be very soft when they first come out of the oven. This resting time allows them to firm up enough to be moved.
    • After 5-10 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Serve and Indulge: Enjoy these Chocolate Overload Cookies warm with a glass of milk for the ultimate experience, or let them cool completely for a still incredibly delicious treat.

Prepare for a chocolate experience like no other!

Nutritional Snapshot: An Indulgent Treat

These Chocolate Overload Cookies are, as the name suggests, an exceptionally rich and decadent treat. They are designed for maximum chocolate enjoyment rather than for their nutritional austerity.

  • Servings: This recipe typically yields approximately 24-36 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie scoop.
    • Using a medium scoop (1.5-2 tablespoons): ~30-36 cookies
    • Using a large scoop (3-4 tablespoons): ~18-24 cookies
  • Calories per serving (approximate for 1 medium cookie): A single medium-sized cookie (around 1/30th of the batch) can range from 180 to 250 calories. Larger, bakery-style cookies could easily be double that.

Factors Influencing Nutritional Content:

  • Size of the cookie: Larger cookies will naturally have more calories, fat, and sugar.
  • Specific types of chocolate used: The cacao percentage and sugar content of your chosen chocolates (for melting and for add-ins) will impact the final numbers.
  • Butter and sugar content: These are primary contributors to the calorie density.

Breakdown of Key Components:

  • Fats: Primarily from butter, melted chocolate, and cocoa butter in the chocolate chips/chunks.
  • Sugars: From granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the sugar content in all the chocolate components.
  • Carbohydrates: From flour and sugars.
  • Protein: A smaller contribution from eggs, flour, and to some extent, cocoa.

These cookies are best enjoyed as a special indulgence, a treat to be savored in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are perfect for celebrations, sharing with fellow chocolate lovers, or for those moments when only an “overload” of chocolate will do.

Time Commitment: Crafting Chocolate Perfection

Baking these Chocolate Overload Cookies involves several stages, with a significant portion of the time dedicated to chilling the dough, which is crucial for the best results.

  • Active Preparation Time:
    • Melting chocolate for dough: 5 minutes
    • Creaming butter/sugars, adding eggs/vanilla/melted chocolate: 10-12 minutes
    • Whisking dry ingredients: 2-3 minutes
    • Combining wet and dry, folding in chocolate chips: 5-7 minutes
    • Scooping and placing on baking sheets (per batch): 5-7 minutes
    • Total Active Time: Approximately 27-34 minutes (spread out)
  • Inactive Chilling Time:
    • Minimum 2-3 hours, but preferably overnight (8+ hours). This is the most significant “waiting” period.
  • Baking Time (per batch):
    • 10-14 minutes
  • Cooling Time:
    • On baking sheet: 5-10 minutes
    • On wire rack: At least 20-30 minutes to cool substantially, longer to cool completely.

Overall Estimated Time (from absolute start to first batch cooled enough to eat):

  • If chilling for the minimum 2 hours: Approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes.
  • If chilling overnight: The process is broken into two days. Day 1 (prep and chill): ~25-30 minutes active. Day 2 (scoop and bake): ~15-20 minutes active + baking/cooling time.

Workflow Suggestion:

  • Evening Before: Prepare the cookie dough and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This breaks up the work and allows for maximum flavor development.
  • Day of Baking: Preheat oven, scoop, and bake the chilled dough.

While there’s a waiting period for chilling, the hands-on time is quite manageable, and the decadent results are well worth the patience!

How to Serve: Maximizing the Chocolate Experience

Serving these Chocolate Overload Cookies is an event in itself. Here are some ways to enhance the experience and fully embrace the chocolate decadence:

  • Warm from the Oven (The Ultimate Indulgence):
    • There’s nothing quite like these cookies when they are still warm (after cooling on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to set slightly). The chocolate chips will be molten and gooey, and the aroma is intoxicating.
    • Caution: Warn eaters that the melted chocolate can be very hot!
  • With a Glass of Cold Milk:
    • The classic cookie companion. The coolness and creaminess of milk provide a perfect contrast to the rich, intense chocolate.
  • Alongside Coffee or Espresso:
    • For a more adult pairing, a cup of strong black coffee, a rich espresso, or a creamy latte beautifully complements the deep chocolate flavors. The bitterness of the coffee can balance the cookie’s sweetness.
  • As a Base for an Ice Cream Sandwich:
    • Take two completely cooled cookies and sandwich a generous scoop of your favorite high-quality ice cream between them. Vanilla bean, coffee, salted caramel, or even a contrasting raspberry sorbet would be fantastic.
  • Crumbled Over Ice Cream:
    • Break up a cooled cookie and use it as a decadent topping for a bowl of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
  • On a Dessert Platter:
    • These cookies are showstoppers. Arrange them on a platter for parties, gatherings, or holiday cookie exchanges. Their dark, rich appearance is instantly appealing.
  • As a Gourmet Gift:
    • Package these cookies in a beautiful tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. They make an impressive and much-appreciated homemade gift for any chocolate lover.
  • With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar (Optional Elegance):
    • For a touch of visual contrast, you can lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar just before serving.
  • Alongside Berries:
    • A small bowl of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side can offer a bright, tart counterpoint to the richness of the chocolate.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Chocolate Overload Cookies are designed to deliver pure, unadulterated chocolate joy. Let the chocolate speak for itself!

Pro Tips for Chocolate Cookie Domination (5 Tips)

To ensure your Chocolate Overload Cookies reach their full potential of fudgy, chewy, chocolatey perfection, keep these expert tips in mind:

  1. Use High-Quality Chocolate – It Truly Matters: Since chocolate is the star (and in “overload” quantities), the quality of your cocoa powder, melting chocolate, and chocolate chips/chunks will significantly impact the final flavor. Opt for reputable brands and choose cacao percentages that you enjoy. Good chocolate melts better and has a more complex, less waxy taste.
  2. Don’t Overmix the Dough After Adding Flour: Once you begin adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture. Stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks mostly disappear; the final incorporation can happen when you fold in the chocolate chips.
  3. Chill the Dough Thoroughly – No Shortcuts! This is arguably one of the most crucial steps for this specific recipe. Chilling the dough for at least 2-3 hours (or preferably overnight) does several important things:
    • Flavor Development: Allows the ingredients to meld and the flavors to deepen.
    • Prevents Spreading: Solidifies the fat (butter), which helps the cookies maintain their shape and thickness during baking, leading to chewier centers.
    • Easier Handling: Chilled dough is less sticky and much easier to scoop and handle.
  4. Slightly Underbake for Maximum Chewiness: For that coveted soft, fudgy, and chewy center, pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are set and just beginning to look matte, but the centers still appear slightly soft or underdone. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after being removed from the oven. Overbaking will result in drier, crispier cookies.
  5. Measure Flour Correctly (Spoon and Level): Too much flour is a common cookie culprit, leading to dry, cakey results. To measure flour accurately, use the “spoon and level” method: lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then use the straight edge of a knife to level off the excess. Do not scoop the measuring cup directly into the flour bag, as this compacts the flour and results in using too much.

By adhering to these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most impressively decadent Chocolate Overload Cookies imaginable.

Chocolate Overload Cookie FAQ (5 Q/A)

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making these intensely chocolatey cookies:

Q1: Can I use only one or two types of chocolate chips instead of three?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. If you only have semi-sweet chocolate chips on hand, for example, you can use 3 cups of those. However, the “overload” experience and the complexity of flavor come from the interplay of different chocolate types (dark, semi-sweet, milk) with varying cacao percentages and sweetness levels. Using a variety enhances the depth and makes each bite a little different. But they will still be very chocolatey and delicious with fewer types.

Q2: Why is chilling the dough so important for this recipe?
A: Chilling the dough is crucial for several reasons:
Flavor Development: It allows the ingredients to hydrate and the flavors to meld and intensify.
Reduces Spreading: Cold fat (butter) melts more slowly in the oven, which means the cookies spread less and bake up thicker and chewier.
Easier Handling: Chilled dough is less sticky and much easier to scoop and shape.
Texture: It contributes to a better final texture – often chewier centers and slightly crisper edges.
For these “overload” cookies with a significant amount of butter and melted chocolate, chilling is key to their structure.

Q3: How can I ensure my cookies are chewy and fudgy, not cakey or crispy?
A: Several factors contribute to chewy, fudgy cookies:
Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and promotes chewiness. This recipe uses a good proportion.
Melted Chocolate in Dough: Adds to the fudgy texture.
Cornstarch: A teaspoon of cornstarch can help create a more tender, chewy texture.
Don’t Overbake: This is critical. Pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Proper Flour Measurement: Too much flour leads to cakey cookies. Use the “spoon and level” method.
Chilling the Dough: Helps achieve that desirable texture.

Q4: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! This dough benefits from being made ahead. You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 48-72 hours. The flavors will continue to develop. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes if it’s too firm to scoop easily, then proceed with baking.

Q5: My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
A: Excessive spreading can be due to a few common issues:
Dough Not Chilled Enough: This is the most likely culprit for this recipe. Ensure adequate chilling time.
Butter Too Soft/Melted: If your butter was overly soft or partially melted when creamed, it can lead to spread.
Oven Temperature Too Low: An oven that’s not hot enough gives the cookies too much time to spread before setting. Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy.
Over-Greased Baking Sheets: While parchment is recommended, if you grease your pans, use a very light coating.
Incorrect Flour Measurement: Too little flour can cause spread.
Baking Soda/Powder Issues: Ensure your leavening agents are fresh.

Storing Your Chocolate Treasures: Keeping Them Fresh

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Chocolate Overload Cookies for as long as possible while maintaining their delicious texture.

At Room Temperature:

  1. Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the cookies are completely cooled on a wire rack. Storing warm cookies will create condensation in the container, leading to soggy cookies.
  2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This is the most important step to prevent them from drying out and becoming stale.
  3. Layering (Optional): If stacking multiple layers of cookies, you can place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together, especially if some chocolate chips are still a bit soft.
  4. Duration: Stored properly at room temperature, these cookies should remain fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. Their texture might become slightly firmer over time.

Enhancing Freshness (Optional Trick):

  • Adding a slice of plain sandwich bread to the airtight container with the cookies can help keep them softer for longer, as the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread. Replace the bread every couple of days if it becomes dry.

Freezing Options for Longer Storage:

  1. Freezing Baked Cookies:
    • Cool cookies completely.
    • Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and “flash freeze” them until solid (about 1-2 hours). This prevents them from sticking together when stored.
    • Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
    • Label with the date. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
    • Thawing: Thaw cookies at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a “fresh-baked” feel.
  2. Freezing Unbaked Cookie Dough Balls (Recommended for “Freshly Baked” Taste):
    • Scoop the chilled cookie dough into balls as if you were about to bake them.
    • Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Flash freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
    • Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag.
    • Label with the date and baking instructions. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
    • Baking from Frozen: Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-3 minutes to the original baking time. No need to thaw. This is a great way to have “fresh” Chocolate Overload Cookies on demand!

Proper storage ensures that your chocolate treasures remain a delightful treat whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion: Your New Chocolate Obsession Awaits

These Chocolate Overload Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are a bold declaration of love for all things chocolate. From the deeply flavored cocoa-and-melted-chocolate dough to the triumphant trifecta of dark, semi-sweet, and milk chocolate chips and chunks, every element is designed for maximum cocoa impact. The resulting cookie – with its tantalizingly crisp edges, unbelievably fudgy and chewy center, and pockets of molten chocolate – is a textural and gustatory masterpiece that will leave any chocoholic speechless. While they demand a little patience for chilling, the active preparation is straightforward, and the reward is a batch of cookies so profoundly satisfying they are likely to become your new benchmark for chocolate perfection. So, gather your finest chocolates, embrace the “overload,” and prepare to bake (and devour) cookies that are truly the stuff of dreams. Your ultimate chocolate obsession awaits!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chocolate Overload Cookies recipe


  • Author: Caroline

Ingredients

Scale
    • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

    • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

    • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar

    • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    • 4 ounces (113g) good quality dark or bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped, for melting

    • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

    • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (or natural unsweetened)

    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra chewiness)

    • 1 teaspoon baking soda

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate “Overload” Add-Ins:

    • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

    • 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips or chunks (60-72% cacao recommended)

    • 1 cup (170g) milk chocolate chips or chunks

Equipment Needed:

    • Large mixing bowl

    • Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)

    • Small heatproof bowl (for melting chocolate)

    • Whisk

    • Rubber spatula

    • Baking sheets

    • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

    • Cookie scoop (medium or large, depending on desired cookie size)

Ingredient Notes:

    • Butter and Eggs: Ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted) and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and emulsification.

    • Chocolate for Melting: Use good quality bar chocolate that you chop yourself, as it melts more smoothly than chips (which often contain stabilizers).

    • Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process will yield a darker, richer cookie. Natural unsweetened will give a slightly lighter color and a more traditional chocolate tang.

    • Chocolate Add-Ins: A mix of chips and chunks provides great textural variety. Feel free to use all chips or all chunks if preferred. The quality of these chocolates will significantly impact the final cookie.


Instructions

    1. Melt Chocolate for Dough: Place the 4 ounces of chopped dark or bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt it either in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth, or over a saucepan of gently simmering water (double boiler method), ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

    1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer), beat the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

    1. Add the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

    1. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Beat in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

    1. Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined and the batter is a uniform chocolate color.

Phase 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

    1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Ensure there are no lumps, especially from the cocoa powder (sifting is recommended if your cocoa is lumpy).

Phase 3: Make the Cookie Dough

    1. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture in two or three additions. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as most of the flour streaks have disappeared. Overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough cookies.

    1. Fold in Chocolate Overload: Add all three types of chocolate chips/chunks (semi-sweet, dark, and milk) to the dough. Using a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and very chocolatey.

    1. Chill the Dough (Crucial Step!): Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 48 hours). Chilling is essential for several reasons:
        • It allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

        • It solidifies the fat, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

        • It makes the dough easier to handle and scoop.

Phase 4: Bake to Perfection

    1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

    1. Scoop Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons for regular-sized cookies) or a large cookie scoop (3-4 tablespoons for bakery-style cookies), scoop portions of dough and place them about 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

    1. Bake: Bake for 10-14 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies and your oven.
        • For softer, chewier cookies, bake until the edges are set and appear slightly matte, but the centers still look a little soft and underdone. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

        • For slightly crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.

    1. Cool Cookies:
        • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes. They will be very soft when they first come out of the oven. This resting time allows them to firm up enough to be moved.

        • After 5-10 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

    1. Serve and Indulge: Enjoy these Chocolate Overload Cookies warm with a glass of milk for the ultimate experience, or let them cool completely for a still incredibly delicious treat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 180 to 250