If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for “just one more” from that classic brown bag, you know there’s something wonderfully nostalgic and irresistible about Famous Amos Cookies. These delightfully crunchy chocolate chip cookies are bite-sized treats with big flavor: buttery dough, mini chocolate chips in every nibble, and a signature snap that makes it impossible to stop at only a handful. Whether you’re baking them for an after-school treat or reliving a sweet childhood memory, this homemade version brings that Famous Amos Cookies magic right to your kitchen—and trust me, you won’t want to share!

Famous Amos Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for authentic Famous Amos Cookies is probably already in your pantry. Each ingredient plays its part in creating the signature taste and that tabletop-crumbing crunch—don’t skip or skimp for best results!

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The secret to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base. Make sure it’s truly soft for easy mixing!
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds essential sweetness and helps achieve those crisp edges everyone loves.
Packed Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): For a touch of moisture and caramel notes that enrich every bite.
Large Eggs (2): For structure and chew—room temperature is best for even blending.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Don’t be shy! Real vanilla gives these cookies their warm, classic aroma.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The foundation of texture—don’t skip measuring carefully.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle rise and helps with browning.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Mini chips mean you get that chocolate crunch in every bite!
Finely Chopped Walnuts (1 cup, optional): For a classic, nutty twist that adds depth and a subtle bite—totally optional but oh-so-tasty.

How to Make Famous Amos Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot by the time your dough is ready. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps those Famous Amos Cookies release easily and avoids over-browning on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This step should take a few minutes—look for a light, fluffy texture. The more air you whip in, the crispier your cookies will be in the end!

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Drizzle in the vanilla extract for that authentic Famous Amos Cookies aroma. This combination brings creamy richness and helps bind the dough.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are distributed evenly, preventing any bitter or salty pockets later on.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient blend into your wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overwork the dough, or your cookies might be a little tough. Aim for thorough mixing but stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Toss in those mini chocolate chips (and chopped walnuts, if using). Gently fold until they’re evenly sprinkled throughout your cookie dough—it’s okay to sneak a taste here!

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches space all around. They’ll spread—and you want every Famous Amos Cookie to have its own personal space for even browning. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for deep golden edges and slightly soft centers. Adjust the time slightly if you love an extra-snappy texture.

Step 8: Cool For the Crunch

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps them from breaking apart while still hot, and helps lock in that perfect crunch we all crave.

How to Serve Famous Amos Cookies

Garnishes

While Famous Amos Cookies are utterly delightful straight from the oven, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt while still warm takes them over the top. For extra flair, dust them with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate—just because you can!

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing: a cold glass of whole milk. Or, serve these crunchy beauties alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or layered between whipped cream for cookie parfaits. They’re just begging to join your next dessert board!

Creative Ways to Present

Little stacks in cellophane bags make adorable party favors, or create a DIY “milk and cookies” flight for your next gathering. Famous Amos Cookies also shine crumbled into ice cream sundaes or blitzed into a crust for creamy cheesecakes. The bite-sized shape means endless opportunities for fun foodie presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Famous Amos Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week. If you prefer an extra-crispy bite, tuck a piece of bread in with the cookies to help absorb any humidity.

Freezing

Both baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze beautifully! For the dough, scoop it into portions and freeze on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. Bake as needed straight from the freezer (just add an extra minute or two to the bake time). Finished cookies can also be frozen, just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To refresh that signature crisp, warm day-old Famous Amos Cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes and they’ll regain their irresistible, bakery-fresh crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Famous Amos Cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are simply an optional add-in for extra crunch and flavor. The cookies are every bit as delicious and classic without any nuts at all.

How do I get my cookies super crunchy like the originals?

Bake until the edges are a deep golden brown, and don’t be afraid to go the full baking time. Cooling thoroughly on a wire rack also helps lock in that famous snappy texture.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Mini chocolate chips are key for that signature Famous Amos Cookies experience—you’ll get chocolate in every bite! If you only have regular chips, give them a quick chop before folding them in for a similar effect.

Is it better to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough for about an hour helps prevent spreading and amps up the flavor, resulting in extra-crunchy cookies. But don’t worry, they still turn out fantastic if you’re feeling impatient!

Can this dough be made ahead of time?

Yes, the prepared cookie dough can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. This also helps deepen the buttery, caramel notes of the finished Famous Amos Cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a recipe that captures the soul of the iconic Famous Amos Cookies, you’ve found it! These nibbly, crunchy morsels bring nostalgic joy with every bite and are sure to impress friends and family. Go ahead, bake a batch and make your kitchen smell like pure happiness—you deserve a little treat!