There’s just something magical about biting into Famous Amos Cookies – those perfectly bite-sized, ultra-crispy chocolate chip cookies that send you straight back to childhood. This homemade version is every bit as delightful, balancing rich buttery notes, a caramel-like sweetness, and a cascade of mini chocolate chips in every nibble. Whether you’ve been searching for that nostalgic taste or want to introduce friends to the treat, these Famous Amos Cookies are bound to win hearts and spark smiles – so let’s bake up a batch together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the absolute joys of Famous Amos Cookies is how unmysterious the ingredient list is – just pure baking basics, each one playing a crucial role. Every component here helps achieve that signature crunchy texture, iconic flavor, and golden color that makes these cookies so memorable.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates richness and helps deliver that irresistible crisp edge in every cookie.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramel undertone and a chewy center alongside the classic crunch.
- Granulated Sugar: Boosts sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ glassy, snappy bite.
- Large Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and provide structure to hold those mini chips in place.
- Vanilla Extract: Lends a warm, comforting aroma that really brings out the chocolate flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the cookies sturdy but tender, so every bite is just right.
- Baking Soda: The secret to a little spread and perfect color – don’t skip it!
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all those lovely, buttery notes.
- Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips: The iconic touch – the mini size ensures every mouthful has a pop of chocolate!
How to Make Famous Amos Cookies
Step 1: Prep Baking Sheets and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – this not only keeps the cookies from sticking but also helps ensure those beautifully crisp edges. Proper prep here makes shaping and removing the cookies a total breeze later on!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale – this step infuses air, ensuring that famous crunchy texture in every Famous Amos Cookie you pull from the oven.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before you add the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature, cozy aroma and depth of flavor that sets Famous Amos Cookies apart from the crowd.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these together first guarantees they’ll distribute evenly – so every cookie bakes up just right, with the same taste and texture from edge to center.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your creamed butter mixture. Mix slowly until everything comes together in a cohesive dough. It’s important not to over-mix – this keeps your Famous Amos Cookies delightfully tender and crisp.
Step 6: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. Mini chips really are the secret here – they mimic the classic Famous Amos Cookies bite and ensure that chocolatey flavor in every single bite.
Step 7: Form the Cookies
Drop small teaspoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Keeping the cookies small is key – it’s what gives each one that perfect mini crunch and contagious poppability.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. For even crunchier Famous Amos Cookies, let them go an extra minute or two. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Resist the urge to dig in too early – this step locks in that classic texture.
How to Serve Famous Amos Cookies
Garnishes
The beauty of Famous Amos Cookies is that they need almost no adornment! But if you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a smattering of extra mini chocolate chips on top just as they come out of the oven can make them look extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve these Famous Amos Cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a bowl of fresh berries, or even alongside your afternoon coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Slide your Famous Amos Cookies into mini treat bags for party favors, or stack them in small mason jars tied with ribbon as sweet gift toppers. Lay out a cookie platter with different add-ins like nuts or dried fruit versions for a fun twist at bake sales or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Famous Amos Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their crunch for up to a week, making them excellent for prepping ahead for snacking anytime.
Freezing
These cookies are fantastic candidates for freezing! Let them cool fully, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temp or enjoy straight from the freezer for an extra-firm snap.
Reheating
If you want to refresh a batch that’s lost a little of its signature crunch, reheat Famous Amos Cookies in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes. Let them cool briefly so their texture returns, and they’ll taste as good as fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?
You can, but for the most authentic Famous Amos Cookies experience, stick to mini chips – they distribute more evenly and give that spot-on chocolatey bite.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No parchment paper? Just use a lightly greased baking sheet. The cookies may spread a touch more, but they’ll still turn out golden and delicious.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The result will be slightly different, but still delightfully crunchy and chocolate-speckled.
Do I need to chill the dough?
For this recipe, there’s no need to chill the dough – baking immediately helps keep Famous Amos Cookies crisp and petite. If your kitchen is especially warm, a quick 10-minute chill can help prevent spreading.
Why did my cookies turn out soft?
If your Famous Amos Cookies came out softer than expected, try baking them for an extra minute or two next time. Cooling completely on a wire rack will also encourage that signature crunch to develop.
Final Thoughts
These Famous Amos Cookies strike the magical balance between nostalgia and pure cookie bliss – crunchy, chocolate-packed, and perfectly munchable. If you’ve never baked them yourself, this is your sign to give it a try. Gather your ingredients, share the love with friends and family, and rediscover why these cookies are truly famous – and bound to be devoured in no time!
Print
Famous Amos Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 mini cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Famous Amos Cookies are a delightful treat that will remind you of the iconic store-bought cookies. With a perfect balance of crunchy edges and soft centers, these mini chocolate chip cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Drop small teaspoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Notes:
- For a crunchier texture, bake a minute or two longer.
- Use mini chocolate chips to replicate the iconic Famous Amos look and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
