If you’re a cookie lover, prepare to fall head over heels for these Famous Amos Cookies. This recipe delivers the irresistible crunch, rich buttery flavor, and delightful mini chocolate chips that make Famous Amos Cookies a household name. Whether you’re nostalgic for the classic or just looking for a reliable cookie to win over family and friends, this easy homemade version checks every box for taste, texture, and childhood magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Famous Amos Cookies is their simplicity; each ingredient is chosen for the role it plays in crafting cookies with a perfectly crisp edge, a soft center, and pockets of melty chocolate. Use the freshest ingredients you can get — it really makes all the difference in such a classic recipe.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Gives these cookies their rich flavor and delicate texture; let it warm up to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Packed light brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a golden color and deep, caramel-like sweetness to every bite.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides that essential crisp texture and a touch of sweetness to balance the brown sugar.
- Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons): Lightens the crumb and boosts the signature crunch — don’t skip this for authentic Famous Amos Cookies!
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for a tender cookie that holds its shape.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall aroma and brings out the flavor of the chocolate.
- Molasses (½ teaspoon): A secret ingredient for depth and color, echoing that classic Famous Amos profile.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Gives the cookies lift so they’re never too dense.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works with baking soda for just the right amount of rise and crispness.
- All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): The reliable foundation that brings everything together in just the right measure.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (1½ cups): The star of the show; using mini chips ensures even chocolatey distribution just like the real Famous Amos Cookies.
How to Make Famous Amos Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This initial step is key to creating the signature crisp and slightly chewy texture that distinguishes Famous Amos Cookies from the rest. Take your time with creaming — the smoother your base, the better your cookies will turn out!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
To your creamed mixture, add the vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Beat everything until it’s luxuriously smooth. The oil is your secret weapon for light crispness, while molasses works behind the scenes to give your cookies a deep, golden character. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit glossy — that’s exactly what you want at this stage.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Even distribution is crucial here, ensuring every cookie rises perfectly and the flavors remain balanced throughout the batch. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until everything just comes together for the tenderest Famous Amos Cookies possible.
Step 4: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough. The abundance of mini chips in every bite is what makes these cookies such a hit. Don’t overmix; just a few turns of your spatula will do.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover and chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait longer (up to 48 hours), the flavors and texture become even more magical. Chilling helps control spread, creates a richer flavor, and delivers the crunchy edges we all crave in Famous Amos Cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small, teaspoon-sized balls and place them 1½ inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space is important here to keep your cookies from merging together. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on them — the difference between good and perfect is just a minute or two!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. This final step ensures they set up with just the right amount of crunch. As the aroma fills your kitchen, it’s almost impossible to resist grabbing one straight away — and honestly, who could blame you?
How to Serve Famous Amos Cookies
Garnishes
Famous Amos Cookies are classic as is, but a little flourish can make them even more special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top just as they exit the oven, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent finish. Each option adds an extra layer of visual and flavor appeal.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate cookie experience, serve your Famous Amos Cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of robust coffee, or a cup of rich hot chocolate. If you’re feeling festive, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an outrageously good dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your cookies into mini ice cream sandwiches, package them in small clear bags tied with ribbon for gifts, or build a cookie tower centerpiece for parties. The small, bite-sized nature of Famous Amos Cookies makes them ideal for sharing and displaying in countless creative ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay wonderfully crisp for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh and maintain that signature crunch, add a slice of bread to the container to absorb any excess moisture. If you plan ahead, you’ll always have Famous Amos Cookies ready for a quick treat or unexpected guests.
Freezing
Famous Amos Cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies for up to two months — simply layer them with parchment paper in an airtight bag or container. Alternatively, freeze the portioned dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding just a minute or two to the baking time for fresh cookies on demand.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, just pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or give them 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Keep an eye out so they don’t over-bake; the goal is a slightly melty center and those trademark crispy edges that make Famous Amos Cookies so beloved.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
You can, but mini chips are what give Famous Amos Cookies that signature look and ensure chocolate in every bite. If you only have standard chips, chop them up for more even distribution.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended. It prevents overspreading, creates a better texture, and allows the flavors to meld, all of which contribute to that unmistakable Famous Amos Cookies crunch.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you’re out of molasses, you can substitute with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different. Molasses really does give the cookies their classic undertone, so include it if possible.
Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still enjoy delicious, gluten-free Famous Amos Cookies.
Why did my cookies turn out too soft?
Famous Amos Cookies are meant to be crispy, so if yours are too soft, try baking them for an extra minute or two or ensure you let them cool completely on a wire rack. Also, be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and don’t skip the chilling step, as this really helps with texture.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Famous Amos Cookies at home brings instant joy — not only for your taste buds, but also for anyone lucky enough to share in the experience. Give this recipe a try, and let these crunchy, chocolate-studded classics add some extra happiness to your day!
Print
Famous Amos Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 8 dozen small cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make your own batch of delicious Famous Amos cookies with this easy copycat recipe. These crunchy mini chocolate chip cookies are perfect for snacking or gifting!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon molasses
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream Ingredients: In a bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and molasses and mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Roll dough into small balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra crunch and flavor, chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
- Use mini chocolate chips for the classic Famous Amos look and texture.
- Cookies can be frozen before or after baking for future enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 cookies
- Calories: ~130
- Sugar: ~9 g
- Sodium: ~70 mg
- Fat: ~8 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~1 g
- Cholesterol: ~10 mg
