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Easy Chewy Lunchbox Cookies for Kids

Easy Chewy Lunchbox Cookies - featured image

These chewy cookies are a dependable favorite for kids’ lunchboxes, offering a perfect balance of soft texture and rich flavor that holds up well throughout the day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (280g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g or 12 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (200g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (270g)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
  7. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look slightly underbaked.
  9. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

For chewier cookies, do not overbake; remove when edges are golden but centers are still soft. Chill dough for 15-20 minutes if cookies spread too much. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy cleanup. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chewy cookies, lunchbox cookies, kids snacks, chocolate chip cookies, easy cookies, homemade cookies