Mrs. Fields Cookie Recipe: The Secret to Bakery-Style Bliss

Craving that melt-in-your-mouth, perfectly chewy, chocolate-studded cookie that Mrs. Fields is famous for? You’re not alone! For years, the legendary Mrs. Fields cookie recipe has been a closely guarded secret, sparking countless attempts to recreate its magic at home. While the official recipe remains elusive, this version captures the essence of those iconic cookies, delivering a taste of nostalgia and pure cookie perfection with every bite. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cookie wonderland!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just a random collection of ingredients; it’s carefully crafted to mimic the texture and flavor profile of Mrs. Fields’ famous cookies. Here’s why it works:

• Brown Sugar is Key: The high proportion of brown sugar not only contributes to a deep, molasses-like flavor, but also ensures a soft and chewy texture.
• Melted Butter: Using melted butter, rather than softened, results in a flatter, chewier cookie with slightly crispier edges.
• Cornstarch Magic: A touch of cornstarch helps to create a tender crumb and contributes to the overall softness of the cookie.
• Chocolate Abundance: A generous amount of chocolate chips (or chunks!) is essential for that signature Mrs. Fields experience. Don’t skimp!
• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
4. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in the Chocolate and Nuts: Stir in the chocolate chips (or chunks) and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step is crucial for preventing excessive spreading.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Want to ensure your cookies are a roaring success? Here are a few extra tips:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Err on the side of slightly underbaked for a chewier texture.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate will directly impact the flavor of your cookies. Opt for good-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best results.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or espresso powder for a unique twist. You can also substitute different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
• Proper Measuring: Accurate measuring is crucial for consistent results. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off dry ingredients carefully.
• Room Temperature Eggs: While not essential, using room temperature eggs can help the ingredients combine more easily.

Storage Instructions

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions:

• Airtight Container: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into individual portions and freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ

Q: Can I use softened butter instead of melted butter?

A: While you can, using melted butter is key to achieving the signature chewy texture of Mrs. Fields cookies. Softened butter will result in a cakier cookie.

Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A: Bread flour will result in a chewier cookie, but it can also make them a bit tougher. All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

A: While you can reduce the sugar slightly, be aware that it will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Brown sugar is particularly important for the chewy texture, so reducing it significantly is not recommended.

Q: My cookies spread too thin. What did I do wrong?

A: There are a few reasons why your cookies might have spread too thin: the butter was too warm, the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or you overmixed the dough. Make sure to use melted (not hot) butter, chill the dough thoroughly, and avoid overmixing.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative, the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and using vegan chocolate chips.

Conclusion

This Mrs. Fields cookie recipe is your ticket to homemade bakery-style cookies that will impress your friends and family. With its perfect balance of chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be baking up batches of these irresistible treats in no time. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience cookie bliss!