Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgent treat — soft, chewy cookies with delicious chocolate chip goodness in every bite, stacked or layered with extra fillings for a fun twist. These cookies are perfect when you want a classic flavor but with an over-the-top, bakery-style presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how simple yet impressive these Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies are. They’re thick, gooey, and packed with chocolate chips. The layered effect gives you an extra soft center and melty chocolate throughout. They’re great for bake sales, gifting, or when you just want to treat yourself to something special at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: mini chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or chopped chocolate bars
- Optional filling ideas: Nutella, peanut butter, caramel, or extra chocolate chips
Directions

- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop out dough and flatten slightly. Add a dollop of your filling (Nutella, peanut butter, or caramel) in the center. Top with another scoop of cookie dough and seal the edges to enclose the filling.
- Place layered dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 large layered cookies. Prep time is around 20 minutes, and baking time is 12-15 minutes.
Variations
- Use different chocolate chips: dark, milk, or white chocolate.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo.
- Try stuffing with marshmallow fluff for a s’mores vibe.
- Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Make mini versions with smaller scoops for bite-sized treats.
Storage/Reheating
Store Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them soft and gooey again.
FAQs
What are Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies?
They’re chocolate chip cookies with a hidden filling or extra layer of chocolate in the middle for extra gooeyness.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, but homemade dough tastes best and holds the layers better.
What fillings work best?
Nutella, peanut butter, caramel, or extra chocolate — anything that melts nicely.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Seal the edges of the dough well and chill the cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
Why are my cookies flat?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough if needed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store dough in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
How do I make the cookies thicker?
Use a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar and don’t over-flatten the dough.
Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! Top with flaky sea salt, extra chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Should I serve them warm?
They’re best warm when the center is melty and gooey.
Conclusion
Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies take your favorite classic cookie to the next level with their thick, stuffed centers and rich, chocolatey goodness. They’re easy to make and even easier to love — perfect for any time you want to impress or indulge. Try them once and they’ll become your new go-to cookie recipe!
PrintLayer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, bakery-style cookies made with layers of chocolate chips and dough for extra gooey chocolate pockets in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two halves. Press half the dough into a layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle half the chocolate chips evenly over it.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top and gently spread to cover the chips. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and lightly press in.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges but soft in the center.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra gooey layers, add extra chocolate chips between layers.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Warm leftovers in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg