If you’re craving that iconic, crisp-meets-chewy bite you remember from childhood snack packs, this Famous Amos Cookies recipe is going to bring those memories back in the most delicious way. These little cookies feature buttery dough studded with tiny chocolate chips, hitting the sweet spot between nostalgic comfort and irresistible crunch. Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to the ultimate homemade chocolate chip cookie, this recipe delivers on every promise the original Famous Amos Cookies made—crunchy edges, mini chips in every nibble, and that signature golden bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have everything required to make your own batch of Famous Amos Cookies. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the rich butter to those essential mini chocolate chips—trust that every item truly matters!
- Unsalted Butter, softened (1 cup): The foundation for rich flavor and the perfect, crisp texture.
- Light Brown Sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): For that classic sweetness and golden cookie color.
- Large Eggs (2): They bind the dough and help with chewy centers.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the cookie flavor and boosts the chocolatey notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure that keeps these cookies holding their adorable shape.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): For just the right lift and crisp edges.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and makes flavors pop.
- Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The star of the show, delivering chocolatey goodness in every bite—mini chips are a must for true Famous Amos Cookies magic.
How to Make Famous Amos Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. If you love crispy cookies, parchment guarantees that golden brown finish without sticking or burning.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer (or lots of elbow grease) to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. This step is key for the signature Famous Amos Cookies texture, as it helps set up those crisp edges and tender centers.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. Doing this one at a time avoids over-mixing and allows everything to blend smoothly for a dough that bakes up beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt distribute evenly throughout the dough—no accidental salty bites or flat cookies here!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid over-mixing at this point, as it can toughen your Famous Amos Cookies. The dough will look thick and slightly sticky—the perfect base for chocolate chips.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed. Mini chips are the secret weapon for that original Famous Amos Cookies experience, giving each tiny cookie bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. For the signature extra crunch, let them go for an extra minute, but keep an eye out to prevent over-baking.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and finish crisping up—then it’s time to dig in and savor that unmistakable Famous Amos Cookie flavor!
How to Serve Famous Amos Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Famous Amos Cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness—just the right touch before serving at tea time or on a curated dessert platter.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk is a classic for a reason. They’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh berries for a touch of elegance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can fill mini mason jars with stacks of Famous Amos Cookies for cute gifts, or arrange them as part of a cookie charcuterie board with other homemade treats, chocolate bark, and dried fruits—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Famous Amos Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For extra crispness, keep the lid slightly ajar or use a cookie jar that isn’t completely airtight—it’s how the originals stay so perfectly crunchy!
Freezing
Both the baked cookies and the cookie dough freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer bag and freeze for up to two months, or scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze, and then store for fresh Famous Amos Cookies on demand.
Reheating
If your cookies lose their crisp, a quick 2–3 minutes in a 300°F oven brings them back to life. Allow them to cool again for that fresh-from-the-oven crunch you love.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
Absolutely, though your cookies will have a different ratio of chocolate to dough. For that classic Famous Amos Cookies look and taste, mini chips are best, but regular chips will still be delicious!
How do I get the cookies extra crunchy like the originals?
Bake the Famous Amos Cookies an extra minute or two, and store them uncovered so they stay delightfully crisp—just like the store-bought kind.
Can I halve or double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily up or down, just keep an eye on the baking time if you change the cookie size or number of trays in the oven.
Why do I need to soften the butter?
Softened butter means your sugars can incorporate fully, yielding those classic tender yet crisp Famous Amos Cookies. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will make them spread too much.
What’s the best way to scoop the dough for uniform cookies?
A small cookie scoop or a rounded teaspoon makes quick work of portioning the dough, ensuring all your Famous Amos Cookies bake evenly and have that signature mini look.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to fall in love with your homemade batch of Famous Amos Cookies—these are sure to become a family favorite and a go-to for any occasion. Bake up a batch, share with friends, and let those nostalgic, chocolatey, and perfectly crispy bites bring pure joy to your kitchen!
Print
Famous Amos Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 small cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the famous Amos cookies at home with this easy recipe. These crispy, mini chocolate chip cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra crunch like the original Famous Amos texture, bake a minute longer and store uncovered.
- You can substitute regular chocolate chips, but mini chips best replicate the original.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
