There’s something about a chocolate chip cookie casserole that feels like a hug from the inside. One evening, I found myself scrambling—unexpected friends showed up just as dinner was winding down. With a half-hearted glance at the pantry and a bit of hopeful improvisation, I whipped up this dessert. The house quickly filled with that buttery, sweet aroma, and I found myself pacing between the oven and the living room, distracted by a phone call and a half-finished cup of tea. When it finally came out, warm and bubbling, the edges golden and inviting, everyone dove in without a word. It was messy, a little crumbly, and far from perfect, but that’s exactly what made it feel like a shared secret between us all.
This dessert doesn’t demand fuss or fancy gadgets, which is part of its charm. It’s forgiving, cozy, and somehow manages to feel special even when made in a rush. You might find yourself sneaking a second piece before anyone else notices—don’t tell, though.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need to stress over perfect cookies one by one.
- Serves a crowd, so it’s great for unexpected get-togethers or family nights.
- Warm and gooey, it’s one of those desserts that feel like an instant mood lifter.
- Because it’s baked in a single dish, cleanup is easier than you’d expect.
- It’s not a dainty treat—expect some crumbs and chocolate smudges on your fingers.
Even if you’re not feeding a crowd, this casserole is a cozy way to indulge without fuss. It’s the kind of dessert that’s equally good solo or shared. And if you’re worried about leftovers, no pressure—this dish keeps well for a few days, and a quick zap in the microwave brings that fresh-baked warmth right back.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie casserole that’s perfect for sharing. Layers of rich cookie dough baked to perfection create a delicious dessert that’s easy to make and irresistible.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if using.
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Honestly, you don’t need anything fancy to pull this off—just a sturdy baking dish and a little patience while it bakes. It’s forgiving if you get a bit distracted or if your oven runs a little hotter than you thought, which is kind of nice. I usually like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if I have some on hand, but a dollop of whipped cream or even just a glass of cold milk does the trick too.
Sometimes I toss in chopped nuts for a little crunch, though I haven’t tried every variation. Some days, I sneak in a handful more chocolate chips for extra gooeyness, but again, it’s up to your mood and what’s in the cupboard.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s great warm, but it also holds up well at room temperature. Just reheat gently if you want that fresh-baked feel.
What if I don’t have walnuts? No worries. The recipe is just as delicious without them, and you won’t miss the crunch if you prefer it nut-free.
Is it okay if the center looks a little underbaked? Yes, that gooey middle is part of the charm. It might seem a bit soft but it will set as it cools.
Any tips on storage? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for a few days or in the fridge if you want it to last longer. Reheat for 15–20 seconds in the microwave.
If you’re craving something that’s quick, satisfying, and just a little indulgent, this chocolate chip cookie casserole might be your next go-to. Give it a try when the mood strikes—you’ll find it’s a little slice of comfort that’s hard to beat.