Intro

If you have ever walked into a Penn Station sandwich shop and caught that warm sweet smell drifting from the counter, then you know exactly why this Penn Station Cookie Recipe feels like a little slice of dessert heaven. 

These cookies have that perfect mix of soft, chewy, buttery goodness with melty chocolate pools that make you think, Okay, just one more. And then somehow one becomes three. It happens. No judgment here.

This recipe is my version of those famous warm cookies, and honestly, I am so excited to share it with you. It is simple, cozy, comforting, and so satisfying for anyone who loves bakery-style chocolate chip cookies. 

Let me take you through the flavors, textures, ingredients, and everything that makes these cookies truly unforgettable.

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What is Penn Station Cookie Recipe?

The Penn Station Cookie Recipe is inspired by the beloved chocolate chip cookie sold at Penn Station East Coast Subs. If you have ever tasted their cookies, you know they are not your average grab-and-go dessert. 

They are soft in the center, golden around the edges, slightly thicker, and loaded with chocolate. They have this homemade feel that reminds you of fresh cookie dough and warm memories.

These cookies are rich, buttery, and full of that soft-batch texture people adore. They are not crispy. They are not cakey. They sit in that magical middle world where the edges have a gentle structure, and the inside stays soft and melty, especially when they are fresh from the oven.

Think of a warm chocolate chip pillow with a little shine from melted butter and sugar caramelizing together. That is the vibe. And the beauty of making them at home is that you can enjoy them exactly how you like them. Warm. Soft. Still gooey in the center. With extra chocolate. With milk. With ice cream. Whatever your cookie heart desires.

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Equipment List

Here is everything you need to make this Penn Station Cookie Recipe smoothly:

• Mixing bowls
  
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  
• Rubber spatula
  
• Whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Baking sheet
  
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  
• Cookie scoop (optional but super helpful)
  
• Cooling rack
  

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Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips or chunks
  
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra softness
  

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
2. Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy.
   
3. Add eggs one at a time and mix until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
   
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch if using.
   
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently. Do not overmix.
   
6. Stir in the chocolate chips. The dough should be thick.
   
7. Scoop dough onto the baking sheet using a cookie scoop. Space them out so they do not spread into each other.
   
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly soft.
   
9. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
   
10. Enjoy warm. These cookies are at peak deliciousness when the chocolate is still melty.
    

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Why These Cookies Taste So Good

There are so many chocolate chip cookie recipes in the world, but the Penn Station Cookie Recipe has its own personality. There are three big things that make these cookies stand out:

1. The Butter Factor

The butter is what gives these cookies their smooth rich flavor. Softened butter blends beautifully with sugar and helps create the chewy center.

2. The Sugar Balance

The mix of brown sugar and white sugar makes all the difference. Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel flavor, while white sugar adds structure and a touch of crispness.

3. The Chocolate Load

Not a tiny sprinkle. Not a normal amount. These cookies are seriously generous with chocolate. That is what makes them bakery style.

And the best part? When these cookies cool slightly, the chocolate stays soft inside the cookie for hours, which is exactly how the Penn Station version behaves.

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Tips to Make the Best Cookies

Here are some little secrets I have learned to help you nail the perfect batch every time:

Do not overmix the dough

This can give you tough cookies instead of soft ones.

Slightly underbake

The center will continue to set after removing from the oven. This keeps the softness.

Chill the dough if needed

Chilling for 30 minutes helps if your dough feels too soft or warm.

Use a mix of chocolate chips and chunks

This gives you those beautiful melty chocolate pockets.

Add a pinch of flaky salt on top

Totally optional but so good.

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Flavor Profile Breakdown

The flavor layers in this Penn Station Cookie Recipe are simple but deeply satisfying:

• Buttery richness from real butter
  
• Warm caramel tones from brown sugar
  
• Soft vanilla aroma that fills the kitchen
  
• Chocolate intensity in every bite
  
• Chewy center paired with gently golden edges
  

When you bite into one, you get that mix of softness and slight crunch that makes bakery cookies so addictive.

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Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch things up, here are some easy swaps:

• Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
  
• Swap some chocolate for chopped nuts.
  
• Use mini chocolate chips for more even chocolate in every bite.
  
• Replace part of the flour with cake flour for extra softness.
  
• Use chocolate chunks for big melty pools.
  

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How to Store and Freeze

Storing

Keep them in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. They stay soft beautifully.

Freezing Dough

Scoop into balls and freeze on a tray first, then store in a bag. They last up to 3 months.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Freeze after cooling completely. Warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bigger like bakery cookies?

Absolutely. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the bake time.

Do I need cornstarch?

No, but it helps provide that super soft bakery-style texture.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can, but the texture may change. These cookies rely on sugar for softness.

Can I add peanut butter?

Yes! Add 1/4 cup and reduce the butter by the same amount.

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Serving Ideas

• Warm with a glass of milk
  
• Ice cream sandwich
  
• Crumbled over vanilla ice cream
  
• Dipped in melted chocolate
  
• With coffee or hot cocoa
  

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

The Penn Station Cookie Recipe is everything a good cookie should be: comforting, soft, warm, melty, and a little indulgent. It feels nostalgic. It smells like happiness. It tastes like something baked with care.

And when you recreate these at home, you get all of that joy fresh from your own oven. No waiting in line. No sharing required.