McDonald’s introduced chocolate chip cookies in 1995 to expand its dessert menu and attract more customers. The addition of cookies was part of a broader strategy to diversify menu options and compete with other fast-food chains by providing a more appealing and varied range of food items.
Of course, this new offering was well-received by customers, who enjoyed the warm, soft texture and the plentiful chocolate chips. The cookies quickly became a popular menu item, praised for their balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Over the time, McDonald’s has occasionally adjusted the recipe over time, but the cookies remain a staple for many customers, including me.
In fact, I was so fond of these cookies that I decided to make them at home one day. Now, recreating these cookies at home has become a cherished ritual for me.
The process of making them from scratch allows me to infuse a bit of my own touch into each cookie while still staying true to that beloved McDonald’s taste.
Equipments Required
- Oven: I use my oven to bake the cookies. It’s important to preheat it to the right temperature before I start.
- Baking Sheets: Before baking the cookie dough, consider using a few baking sheets to place the cooking dough balls. I usually line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Parchment Paper: I line my baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure they bake evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: You should use a couple of mixing bowls to combine the ingredients and prepare the dough. It helps to have different sizes for various stages of mixing.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: I find that an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier, but a stand mixer works great, too, if you have one.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement is key, so I use measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Rubber Spatula: I use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and to fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out the dough onto the baking sheets, I rely on a cookie scoop or a spoon to make sure each cookie is uniform in size.
- Cooling Racks: Once the cookies are baked, I transfer them to cooling racks to prevent them from becoming soggy. The racks let air circulate around the cookies, helping them cool evenly.
- Timer: I set a timer to keep track of the baking time so that my cookies come out just right.
- Wire Whisk: I use a wire whisk to mix dry ingredients like flour and baking soda, ensuring everything is well combined before adding it to the wet ingredients.
McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients And Substitutions
Note: The ingredients mentioned in this section make five portions of McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- 1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour: I sometimes use whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it might slightly change the cookie’s texture.
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter (melted): Sometimes, I use vegetable oil, which alters the texture a bit but works well. Coconut oil is another great option for a hint of coconut flavor.
- ½ Cup Milk: Almond milk or soy milk are my go-to options when I need a change, as both provide consistency similar to regular milk.
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar is my choice when I want a more natural sweetness with a caramel-like hint.
- ½ Cup White Sugar: For a different sweetness profile, I use honey. Adjusting the flour is required to handle the added moisture.
- 1 Large Egg: If not using eggs, I use a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it thicken. A chia egg, made from 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and 3 tablespoons of water, is another effective substitute.
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda: If I run out of baking soda, I substitute it with baking powder about 1 ½ teaspoons for every ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Potassium bicarbonate can also work, but I might need to adjust other ingredients to balance the flavor.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt are alternatives I use for a different texture or flavor profile.
- 1 ¼ Cups Chocolate Chips: I often use chopped chocolate instead of chips for a richer chocolate experience. White chocolate chips or butterscotch chips are also great substitutes for a different flavor twist.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Baking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
How To Make McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies At Home
Step 1
Add a generous amount of butter to a pan.
Step 2
Heat it over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble slightly for a smooth cookie dough.
Step 3
Pour the melted butter into a mixing bowl.
Step 4
Add white sugar to it.
Step 5
Then, add some brown sugar to the bowl.
Step 6
Stir the mixture well until both sugars are fully incorporated into the butter and you have a smooth, creamy paste.
Step 7
Crack open two large eggs and add them to the bowl with the sugar-butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until the eggs are fully combined with the other ingredients.
Step 8
Add all purpose flour to the bowl.
Step 9
Then, add baking soda and sugar to the mixing bowl.
Step 10
Mix everything until the flour is fully absorbed and the batter starts to come together. Then, pour in some milk.
Step 11
Again, mix well and gently fold the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 12
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
Step 13
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking tray. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 14
Place the tray in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 15
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your McDonald’ s-style Chocolate Chip Cookies are now ready to enjoy.
McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Video
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I sometimes brown the butter for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- To keep the cookies from spreading and to improve the texture, I always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- I use a blend of semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.
- For a delightful sweet-savory contrast, I sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking.
- I increase the amount of brown sugar for a chewier texture and deeper caramel notes.
- Adding an extra egg yolk makes the cookies richer and softer.
- Sometimes, I mix in toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- I add a teaspoon of cornstarch to make the cookies softer and thicker.
- Sometimes, I also add a small amount of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
FAQs About McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nutritional Information Per Serving
McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are unhealthy as they’re high in sugar, fat, and calories. Hence, it is best to enjoy them occasionally as a treat while being mindful of their nutritional impact.
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a suitable treat for those following a general or moderate-calorie diet. However, they are not ideal for low-carb or keto diets, nor are they recommended for low-sugar diets.
Additionally, these cookies are unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities. For individuals adhering to a low-fat diet, the fat per cookie may not align with their dietary goals. Hence, some alterations need to be made to make this recipe suitable for everyone.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: I use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour and substitute a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia for the sugar. This helps me keep the carb count down.
- Gluten-Free Version: I replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the chocolate chips I use are also gluten-free.
- High-Protein Version: I add protein powder to the dough or use nut butter like almond or peanut butter for extra protein and a richer flavor.
- Vegan Version: I replace eggs with flax eggs or chia seeds mixed with water, use vegan chocolate chips, and opt for plant-based butter to make the cookies vegan-friendly.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Room Temperature: I keep my cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave: I heat a cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds, keeping an eye on it to prevent overheating.
- Oven: I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for 5-10 minutes to achieve that freshly baked texture.
Printable Version
McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter melted
- ½ cup Milk
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup White Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 ¼ cups Chocolate Chips
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Rubber Spatula
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon
- Cooling Racks
- Timer
- Wire Whisk
Instructions
- Add a generous amount of butter to a pan.
- Heat it over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble slightly for a smooth cookie dough.
- Pour the melted butter into a mixing bowl.
- Add white sugar to it.
- Then, add some brown sugar to the bowl.
- Stir the mixture well until both sugars are fully incorporated into the butter and you have a smooth, creamy paste.
- Crack open two large eggs and add them to the bowl with the sugar-butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until the eggs are fully combined with the other ingredients.
- Add all purpose flour to the bowl.
- Add baking soda to the mixture.
- Mix everything until the flour is fully absorbed and the batter starts to come together. Then, pour in some milk.
- Again, mix well and gently fold the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking tray. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Place the tray in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your McDonald’ s-style chocolate chip cookies are now ready to enjoy!
Video
Notes
- I sometimes brown the butter for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- To keep the cookies from spreading and to improve the texture, I always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- I use a blend of semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.
- For a delightful sweet-savory contrast, I sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking.
- I increase the amount of brown sugar for a chewier texture and deeper caramel notes.
- Adding an extra egg yolk makes the cookies richer and softer.
- Sometimes, I mix in toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- I add a teaspoon of cornstarch to make the cookies softer and thicker.
- Sometimes, I also add a small amount of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
Making McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies at home is an experience that brings both nostalgia and satisfaction. I’m sure you’ll feel the same way when you make them on your own. It combines the pleasure of baking with the simple delight of enjoying a homemade cookie, making it a truly fulfilling endeavor.
Try this McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful, tasty masterpiece. Don’t forget to share your baking experience and any tips or tweaks you made. I’d love to hear how it turns out and see your beautiful creations! Here’s to many delicious moments and happy baking!
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