The Secret of Chick fil A Cookie Recipe Revealed (Perfect Copycat!)

There’s something undeniably special about Chick-fil-A’s chocolate chip cookie recipe. The moment you take that first bite—crisp edges giving way to a soft, buttery center, with pools of melted chocolate—it’s pure bliss. No wonder so many of us find ourselves sneaking an extra one (or two) into our orders.

But what if you didn’t have to wait in line to enjoy them? What if you could recreate that same bakery-perfect cookie at home?

After testing countless recipes and decoding the secrets behind Chick-fil-A’s signature treat, we’ve nailed the perfect copycat version. And today, we’re sharing everything—the exact ingredients, the little tricks that make all the difference, and even how to get that irresistible texture just right.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just craving the best homemade chocolate chip cookie, this recipe is your golden ticket. Let’s bake magic.

Why Chick fil A Cookies Are So Irresistible

It’s not just luck—there’s a science behind why these cookies are so hard to resist. Chick-fil-A nails three key elements that make their chocolate chip cookies stand out:

  1. Perfect Texture – Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center (the ideal cookie trifecta).
  2. Rich, Buttery Flavor – A deep caramelized sweetness that lingers.
  3. Generous Chocolate – Big, melty pools of chocolate in every bite.

The secret? A carefully balanced recipe with just the right mix of sugars, high-quality chocolate, and a touch of salt to enhance the sweetness. Once you try this copycat version, you’ll see why people can’t get enough of them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chick fil A Cookie Recipe (Copycat Version)

Here’s everything required to make 12 bakery-style cookies that taste just like the real deal:

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled for accuracy)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (the secret for soft centers!)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, softened but still cool
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

  • 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars for extra melty pockets)
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Pro Tip: For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients – it makes all the difference in baking!

(Note: This recipe yields 12 large cookies, just like Chick-fil-A’s generous portions. For smaller cookies, use a 2-tablespoon scoop instead.)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cookies

Chick fil A Cookie Recipe (Copycat Version)

1. Prep & Preheat

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper (no sticking!)

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together:
    • 2 ¼ cups flour
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch (secret for that soft center!)
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp salt

3. Cream Butter & Sugars

  • In a large bowl, beat until light and fluffy (3-4 mins):
    • 1 cup softened butter
    • ¾ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • Pro Tip: Stop to scrape bowl sides for even mixing

4. Add Wet Ingredients

  • Beat in one at a time:
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Mix just until combined (don’t overbeat!)

5. Combine Everything

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture
  • Fold in 2 cups chocolate chips by hand (save a few for topping!)

6. Scoop & Bake

  • Use a ¼-cup scoop for large, bakery-style cookies
  • Place dough balls 3″ apart on baking sheets
  • Bake 10-12 minutes until just golden at edges
  • Perfect Doneness: Centers should still look slightly underbaked

7. The Finishing Touch

  • Immediately after baking:
    • Gently press reserved chocolate chips on top
    • Sprinkle with flaky sea salt
  • Let cool 5 minutes on sheet before transferring

Storage Tip: Keep in airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness!

Insider Secrets for Spot-On Chick-fil-A Cookies

Want your homemade version to taste just like the real deal? These pro baker tricks make all the difference:

Chick fil A Cookie Recipe (Copycat Version)

1. The Butter Temperature Trick

  • Use butter that’s cool to the touch (about 65°F)
  • Too soft? Chill for 15 minutes before creaming
  • Why it matters: Creates the perfect balance of spread and chew

2. Chocolate Chip Hack

  • Combine 1½ cups chips + ½ cup chopped chocolate bars
  • The irregular chunks create those signature melty pockets
  • Bonus: Reserve some chips to press on top after baking

3. The Cornstarch Effect

  • Don’t skip the 1 tbsp cornstarch!
  • Mimics Chick-fil-A’s soft, almost gooey center texture
  • Works even better when combined with…

Pro-Level Trick:
For authentic Chick-fil-A texture, pull cookies out when centers look slightly underdone (they’ll set as they cool). The edges should be golden but the middle still soft – about 10.5 minutes is the sweet spot!

Why these work: Chick-fil-A uses commercial baking techniques we’re mimicking with these smart home adaptations. The cornstarch replicates their soft texture, while the chocolate combo nails their signature melty pockets.

Chick fil A Cookie Recipe (Copycat Version)

Here’s what you’re getting in each delicious bite of these copycat Chick-fil-A cookies:

Nutrition FactsPer Cookie% Daily Value*
Calories320 kcal16%
Total Fat16g21%
– Saturated Fat9g45%
Cholesterol55mg18%
Sodium180mg8%
Total Carbohydrates42g15%
– Dietary Fiber2g7%
– Sugars28g56%
Protein4g8%

*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Key Notes About the Nutrition:

  1. Portion Size Matters – These are large, bakery-style cookies (about 3.5″ diameter)
  2. Sugar Content – Comparable to Chick-fil-A’s original (they use similar ratios)
  3. Protein Boost – Add 1 tbsp peanut butter to dough for extra protein
  4. Lighter Option – Reduce sugar to ½ cup total for less sweet version

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Store dough balls in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Bake straight from cold – just add 1-2 extra minutes.

2. Why are my cookies flat?

Likely culprit: butter was too warm. Next time, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking and use cool (not melted) butter.

3. Can I use milk chocolate instead?

Absolutely! Swap semi-sweet for milk chocolate chips if you prefer sweeter cookies.

4. How do I keep them soft for days?

Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread – the cookies absorb moisture from the bread perfectly!

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments! 

Enjoy Bakery-Perfect Cookies Anytime!

Now you hold the secret to recreating Chick-fil-A’s legendary cookies in your own kitchen! With this foolproof recipe and insider tips, you can enjoy that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, gooey centers whenever the craving strikes.

Why you’ll love making these:
✓ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✓ Faster than driving to Chick-fil-A
✓ Customizable to your taste (add nuts, different chocolates, etc.)
✓ Makes your house smell amazing

Final Pro Tip: For the full experience, serve warm with a cold glass of milk – just like they do at the restaurant!

We’d love to see your cookie creations! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below to share how yours turned out. Happy baking!

P.S. Bookmark this page so you’ll always have the recipe handy for your next cookie emergency!

Author’s Top Picks for More Delicious Recipes

If you loved this Chick-fil-A cookie copycat, you’ll adore these other tried-and-true recipes from my kitchen:

  • Easy Pear Butter – A silky-smooth spread with warm cinnamon spice, perfect on toast or swirled into yogurt.
  • Pistachio Muffins – Moist, nutty, and lightly sweet with a gorgeous green hue.
  • Classic Beef Olives – Tender beef rolls stuffed with herbs and bacon—a hearty old-world favorite.

Each one is a crowd-pleaser with the same attention to detail that makes these cookies so special. Happy cooking!

Leave a Comment