These ultra-fudgy dark chocolate chip cookies are the definition of indulgence. Inspired by the iconic Crumbl Dark Dream cookies, they feature a rich cocoa base and are studded with melty chocolate chips that make every bite an ooey-gooey experience. Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate flavor, they’re the perfect dessert for when you need something soul-satisfyingly sweet.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a weekend treat, a party, or a cookie exchange, these bakery-style cookies deliver big on texture and taste. They’re easy to make, freeze well, and can be customized with your favorite chocolate or even a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup dark cocoa powder
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 ¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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Add the dark cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Scoop large balls of dough (about ¼ cup each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
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Slightly flatten the tops of the cookie dough balls.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
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Optional: Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt after baking for a flavor boost.
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Let cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 10 large cookies
Introduction to These Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are inspired by the famously decadent Crumbl Dark Dream cookies—a treat beloved by cookie aficionados for their intense chocolate flavor and chewy texture. If you’re a true chocolate lover, this recipe is going to become your new go-to. These cookies are loaded with both cocoa and chocolate chips, offering a double hit of richness that satisfies every craving. They’re the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and fudgy on the inside, giving you that fresh-from-the-bakery feel right from your home kitchen.
Unlike your average chocolate chip cookie, these cookies elevate the classic by going deeper into the world of cocoa. With a dark chocolate dough as the base and studded generously with semi-sweet chocolate chips, every bite is gooey, moist, and bursting with luxurious flavor. They’re the kind of dessert you bake when you want to truly impress—without the need for frosting or extra toppings.
Why These Cookies Are So Special
What sets these cookies apart is their texture and flavor profile. The dark cocoa powder used in the dough delivers a robust, slightly bitter edge that contrasts beautifully with the sweet richness of the chocolate chips. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them incredibly satisfying and perfect for pairing with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream.
Additionally, the soft, chewy center surrounded by a lightly crisped edge makes every cookie feel like it was made fresh from your favorite upscale bakery. This texture contrast is exactly what makes Crumbl cookies so popular—and it’s been captured here in this homemade version with stunning accuracy.
The Secret Behind the Bakery-Style Texture
Achieving that iconic Crumbl cookie texture at home isn’t as complicated as it might seem. It all comes down to a few baking tricks that you can easily replicate. First, using a combination of brown and white sugar gives the cookies both moisture and a slight crisp. Brown sugar, in particular, adds a touch of molasses flavor while helping maintain that chewy middle.
Second, the size of the dough balls makes a big difference. These cookies are meant to be large and thick. Scooping the dough generously allows the outside to set while the inside remains deliciously underbaked and gooey—just like the original.
Lastly, not overbaking is key. These cookies continue to bake slightly from the residual heat even after they’re pulled from the oven, so removing them when the centers still look slightly soft is essential to achieving that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Ideal Occasions to Serve These Cookies
These double chocolate chip cookies are perfect for nearly every occasion. Hosting a party? These are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Need a quick dessert for a potluck or holiday dinner? These cookies will steal the show. They’re also a wonderful homemade gift idea—simply wrap them in cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful, personal touch.
Kids love them, adults obsess over them, and they’re just as appropriate for a cozy night in as they are for a festive celebration. Because they’re so easy to transport, they make an excellent choice for school events, office treats, or cookie swaps as well.
How to Customize the Recipe
While this recipe is delicious as written, it’s also incredibly versatile. Want to dial up the richness even more? Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or bittersweet chunks. Looking for a flavor twist? Add a pinch of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the depth of the cocoa.
You can even experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or caramel bits. For a sweet-and-salty vibe, top the cookies with flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven. If you’re feeling bold, sandwich two of these cookies with vanilla or peanut butter frosting for a decadent cookie sandwich.
Storing and Freezing for Later
One of the best parts about these cookies is that they store exceptionally well. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, and they’ll maintain their soft, chewy texture. If you prefer a warm cookie experience, simply pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
For long-term storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll keep for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a zip-top bag—this way, you can bake off a fresh cookie whenever the craving strikes.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
While these cookies are definitely an indulgent treat, they’re also a smart choice for those who want to control ingredients and avoid processed bakery goods. By making them at home, you can select high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate, use organic butter, or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
They can be made nut-free as written and are easily adapted for those who are gluten-free with the use of a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free versions, substitute plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. That said, no matter the version, the end result is always rich, chewy, and completely satisfying.
Tips for Success Every Time
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Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for optimal creaming with the sugars.
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Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
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Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients—this helps avoid tough cookies.
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Let the dough rest for 15–30 minutes if you have the time. This helps the flavors develop and prevents overspreading.
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Always bake one test cookie first to gauge your oven’s temperature accuracy and timing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies slightly warm for the ultimate chocolatey experience. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a cold glass of milk. For an elevated dessert, try stacking two cookies with a layer of whipped cream and berries in between for a rustic and indulgent cookie shortcake.
They’re also amazing when crumbled over yogurt, ice cream sundaes, or turned into ice cream sandwiches. Whether enjoyed as-is or dressed up, these cookies are a treat that never disappoints.
Conclusion
These Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a copycat—they’re a tribute to one of the most beloved bakery treats out there, brought into your own kitchen with ease. They deliver everything you want in a cookie: bold flavor, indulgent texture, and undeniable comfort. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe hits the mark every time.
Their simplicity is what makes them so genius. No special equipment, no fancy ingredients—just solid baking technique and a love for chocolate. Keep this recipe on hand and you’ll always have a winning dessert in your back pocket.