If there’s one treat that can light up any day with a nostalgic, sweet crunch, it’s Famous Amos Cookies. These perfectly golden, crisp chocolate chip cookies have captured hearts for decades, and making them at home is as fun as it is irresistibly delicious. With their miniature size and irresistible bursts of chocolate in every bite, these homemade Famous Amos Cookies channel that signature bakery flavor—only fresher, with just a touch more love baked in. Whether you’re recreating a slice of childhood or looking for the perfect cookie jar staple, this recipe is sure to leave you with a plateful of pure happiness and plenty to share.

Famous Amos Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Famous Amos Cookies lies in their simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a crucial role. From rich butter to semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, every component adds its own touch to the texture, flavor, or that iconic color you know and love.

All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the dough and helps create those crisp yet tender cookies.
Baking soda: Gives the cookies a delicate lift and ensures a slightly chewy center.
Salt: Brightens flavors and balances the sweetness for perfectly seasoned bites.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture; make sure it’s truly soft for easy mixing!
Light brown sugar (packed): Lends caramel notes and keeps the cookies golden and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Contributes to crisp edges and that classic cookie sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and gives that warm, home-baked aroma.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide just the right amount of moisture.
Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips: The star ingredient, scattered through every cookie for that signature Famous Amos Cookies chocolate experience.

How to Make Famous Amos Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is just the right temperature for gently crisping these small cookies. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your Famous Amos Cookies will release effortlessly and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents and salt are perfectly distributed, which means every single cookie comes out just right—crisp around the edges, with the ideal hint of chewiness.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream the softened butter together with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture becomes fluffy and the color turns pale, usually about 2–3 minutes. This incorporates air, giving your Famous Amos Cookies that light bite while keeping them satisfyingly crisp.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to make sure everything is blended and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, which is essential for deepening the cookie’s aroma and adding that irresistible, familiar flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overwork the dough—that’s the secret to keeping your Famous Amos Cookies tender, not tough. Mix until you see no streaks of flour left.

Step 6: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips

Now comes the star moment! Gently stir in those semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed so that every single cookie holds that special Famous Amos Cookies magic.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart—remember, these are charmingly tiny! Bake in your preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, watching for that golden edge. For extra crisp, classic Famous Amos Cookies texture, keep them on the lower end of the bake time.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial for achieving perfect crispiness and keeping them from breaking apart.

How to Serve Famous Amos Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top just after baking for a sophisticated twist, or drizzle them with a bit of melted chocolate for extra decadence. Classicists can’t go wrong with a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve your Famous Amos Cookies with cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic pairing, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. They also pair beautifully with a bowl of fresh strawberries or a mug of hot coffee for an afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a mason jar tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. Create a DIY Famous Amos Cookies sundae bar for parties, or set up a mini cookie tower centerpiece—sure to spark conversation and delight all ages.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Famous Amos Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll maintain their crisp texture for up to five days. For best results, slip a slice of bread into the container to help prevent your cookies from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled Famous Amos Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a resealable freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can enjoy a fresh cookie any time for up to three months.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of crispness, refresh them by popping a few onto a baking sheet and warming in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. Let them cool before eating to regain that delightful snap.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini?

Mini chocolate chips are traditional for Famous Amos Cookies, giving you more chocolate in every small bite, but feel free to use regular chips if that’s your preference. Just know they’ll be chunkier, and the cookies might spread a little more.

How can I make these cookies extra crispy?

For that ultra-crisp signature, bake the cookies on the lower end of the suggested bake time and make sure the dough balls are small—about one rounded teaspoon each. Using solely granulated sugar (or reducing the brown sugar) makes them crunchier, too, but may alter the flavor.

Is it possible to make the Famous Amos Cookies dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and portion the dough, then chill or freeze the dough balls on trays. Bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Are these cookies suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, these homemade Famous Amos Cookies contain no meat or animal-derived additives—just be sure your chocolate chips are vegetarian, as some brands may contain dairy or other animal byproducts.

What’s the secret to getting them to taste like the real Famous Amos Cookies?

The combination of mini chocolate chips, the right ratio of brown to white sugar, and baking them until just golden on the edges will get you incredibly close to that beloved Famous Amos Cookies flavor and crunch at home.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Famous Amos Cookies at home is nothing short of pure joy. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them on your own, each bite brings that satisfying, classic crunch and gooey chocolate moment. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making Famous Amos Cookies a regular highlight in your kitchen!