Here are the secrets to making bakery style cookies with store-bought cookie dough right at home. And for a lot less money.
If you’re like me, you love stopping at the bakery for those big beautiful and delicious cookies. But, what if I told you that it is easy to make these right at home?
These simple tricks work because of three things: big scoops, chilling the dough, and using two baking sheets. It’s the easiest way to get bakery-quality cookies right from your own oven!
Quick Overview of the Secrets
Use 1 package store-bought cookie dough (any flavor). Then follow these steps for delicious results.
- Scoop generously. Use ½ cup of dough per cookie. That’s the secret to those thick, chewy bakery cookies with soft centers.
- Tip: Use a cookie dough scoop or measuring cup to portion evenly.
- Shape and texture. Roll the dough into smooth balls, then lightly press little dimples on the top with your fingertips. Like a golf ball. This adds a nice texture to the surface and helps the dough bake evenly.
- Chill the dough. Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, then refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape so you don’t end up with flat cookies.
- Double up the pans. Set your cookie sheet on top of another one. This creates an air cushion so the bottoms don’t burn. A simple bakery trick that makes a big difference!
- Bake at 400°F for 10–13 minutes. Watch for crispy edges and gooey centers. The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.
- Cool slowly. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for about 25 minutes. They’ll continue to bake gently and firm up just enough to handle while staying chewy on the inside.
How Much Does This Recipe Make?
This method makes about 5 large bakery-style cookies from a standard 16.5-ounce package of dough. They’re big, thick, and absolutely perfect for sharing. Or for those times when you just want one really good cookie.
Baking Hack: Bakery Style Cookies with Store-Bought Dough
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 16.5 Ounces Store-bought Cookie Dough 1 package, any flavor
- Optional. Any mix-ins or toppings you want to add.
Instructions
- Scoop ½ cup dough for each cookie and roll into balls.16.5 Ounces Store-bought Cookie Dough
- Dimple the tops with your fingertips.
- Chill on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–20 minutes.
- Place the cookie sheet on top of another and bake at 400°F for 10–13 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 25 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with any toppings if desired.Optional. Any mix-ins or toppings you want to add.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
How to Tell When the Cookies Are Done
These cookies bake up thick and golden, so don’t wait until they look fully baked before removing them from the oven. Here’s what to look for:- Edges. The edges should be lightly golden brown and set. They’ll look firm and slightly crisp.
- Centers. The centers should still look a little underbaked and slightly glossy. That’s the secret to soft, chewy centers once they cool.
- Tops. The tops will be puffed with visible dimples or cracks. You may even see melted chocolate glistening on top.
- Touch Test. If you gently tap the edge of a cookie, it should feel set while the middle still feels soft.
- Color. Light golden brown overall. Not dark brown. The bottom will be golden but not burnt, thanks to the double-pan trick.
Nutrition
Homemade Dough? These Tricks Work Too!
If you prefer baking from scratch, the same bakery-style tips work beautifully with your homemade cookie dough. Just scoop large dough balls, chill before baking, and use the double-pan method for soft, chewy centers and even golden color.
Whether you’re making chewy chocolate chip cookies with unsalted butter and brown sugar, or classic sugar cookies made with all-purpose flour and vanilla extract, these steps will take your homemade cookies to the next level.
Flavor Variations
Have fun experimenting with flavors! Here are a few delicious ways to switch things up:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt right after baking or press a few extra chocolate chips on top before they go in the oven.
- Sugar Cookies. Roll the dough in coarse sugar or add a dusting of colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Peanut Butter Cookies. Add a few mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling.
- Double Chocolate Dough. Mix in white chocolate chips or a few mini marshmallows for a s’mores-style cookie.
- Snickerdoodle Dough. Dust with extra cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor.
Why This Cookie Hack Works
The combination of large dough balls, chilling time, and stacked baking sheets gives you cookies that are crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and baked to bakery perfection. It’s all about controlling heat and moisture. The hallmarks of every bakery-style chocolate chip cookie recipe.
This TikTok-inspired cookie hack is the easiest way to make thick cookies with gooey centers at home. Even if you’re starting with store-bought dough.
So next time you’re craving the best chocolate chip cookies, skip the mixer and grab a package of dough. With this simple trick, you’ll have bakery-quality cookies in under an hour.
Now you can bake like a pro
This bakery-style cookie hack is the perfect balance between easy baking and amazing results. Whether you’re using your favorite store-bought cookie dough or a homemade recipe, these simple steps guarantee soft, chewy cookies with crispy edges every single time.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
so indulgent, yet so easy