The Best Soft & Chewy Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies (Egg-Free Recipe!)
Get ready to fall in love with these Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies! They offer a delightful, egg-free twist on the beloved classic, delivering all the familiar comfort with a subtly unique character. Expect a perfectly soft and chewy texture, bursting with rich brown sugar notes and an abundance of melty chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re navigating an egg allergy, looking for a lighter option, or simply eager to try something new, these cookies are a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. They prove that you don’t need eggs to achieve that irresistibly tender crumb and golden-brown perfection.
While the timeless appeal of classic chocolate chip cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, I absolutely adore exploring new variations of the original recipe. From the convenience of slow cooker chocolate chip cookies and the simplicity of cake mix chocolate chip cookies, to the iconic taste of Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookies, and the delightful combination found in chocolate chip cookie bars with peanut butter, there’s always a new adventure in cookie baking. These Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies are no exception – they are destined to become a new family favorite, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved dessert.
These eggless marvels boast a beautiful golden crispness around their edges, yielding to a wonderfully tender and moist interior. They are absolutely perfect for a classic dunk in a tall, cold glass of milk, make an excellent addition to any lunch box, or can even be left out for Santa (if you’re feeling generous!). Their robust flavor and satisfying texture make them versatile for any occasion.
What’s even better? This recipe is designed to produce a generous batch of approximately 36 cookies. This means you’ll have plenty to enjoy immediately, enough to share with friends and family, and even some extra to freeze for those future cookie cravings. Imagine having delicious, homemade cookies ready whenever the mood strikes – it’s a true baking superpower!
Why You’ll Adore This Greek Yogurt Cookie Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about trying this innovative cookie recipe, let us convince you! These Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies offer a multitude of benefits that make them stand out in the world of homemade treats.
- Quick and Easy: Forget lengthy, complicated baking processes. This recipe requires just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when a sudden cookie craving hits. The simple steps ensure a stress-free baking experience from start to finish.
- Fantastic Egg-Free Option: Whether you or someone you’re baking for has an egg allergy, or you simply prefer to bake without eggs, this recipe is a game-changer. The Greek yogurt acts as a perfect binder and adds moisture, ensuring you don’t miss the eggs at all. It’s a wonderful solution for inclusive baking!
- Unique Flavor Profile: The magic of Greek yogurt truly shines here! It introduces a subtle, delightful tang that beautifully complements and balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and chocolate chips. This slight acidity adds a layer of depth and complexity that elevates these cookies beyond a typical chocolate chip cookie, making them incredibly moreish.
- Incredibly Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the high moisture content and protein in Greek yogurt, these cookies are exceptionally soft and moist. The yogurt helps prevent them from drying out, ensuring each bite is perfectly tender and chewy, even days after baking. Say goodbye to crumbly, hard cookies!
- High Yield & Freezer Friendly: This recipe makes a generous batch of about 36 cookies, perfect for sharing, gifting, or stocking up your freezer. Having ready-to-eat cookies on hand is always a good idea!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Despite their unique twist, these cookies have all the hallmarks of a classic chocolate chip cookie that everyone loves. They are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike, often disappearing from the plate faster than you can say “more please!”
Essential Ingredients for Your Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies
This section provides detailed notes on each ingredient and offers helpful substitution options. For all precise measurements, the complete ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
- Unsalted Butter: It’s crucial for your butter to be at room temperature, ideally for about 30 minutes before you begin mixing. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base that’s essential for a tender cookie. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content in your recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt by about ¼ teaspoon.
- Sugars (Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar): This recipe calls for a combination of both white granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to the crispness around the cookie’s edges and provides classic sweetness. Light brown sugar, on the other hand, is key for that rich, caramel-like flavor and, more importantly, adds significant moisture, which results in a wonderfully chewy texture. The molasses in brown sugar also helps keep the cookies soft and moist.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the star ingredient that replaces eggs and gives these cookies their unique qualities. Full-fat Greek yogurt is highly recommended as it provides the thickest consistency and richest flavor, contributing to a wonderfully moist and tender crumb. However, if you only have regular plain yogurt or even vanilla Greek yogurt (adjusting for sweetness if necessary), they can work too. The yogurt not only acts as a binding agent but also introduces a slight tang that beautifully balances the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Proper flour measurement is paramount for cookie success. Always use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Never scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and can lead to an excess amount, resulting in dry, crumbly, or dense cookies.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent is responsible for the soft, tender, and slightly puffed texture of your dream cookies. It reacts with the acidic yogurt to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which give the cookies their lift and signature chewiness.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is vital. It doesn’t just add flavor; it enhances all the other flavors in the cookie, particularly the sweetness of the sugars and the richness of the chocolate. Don’t skip it!
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These are a classic choice for a reason, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. However, feel free to get creative! You can easily substitute with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter profile, dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa hit, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a different twist. For an extra gourmet touch, consider using chopped chocolate bars for those desirable melty chocolate puddles.
- Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract is essential for adding warmth and depth to the cookie flavor, complementing the chocolate and brown sugar beautifully.
Optional Flavor Boosters & Add-ins:
- Flaked Sea Salt: A light sprinkle on top of the warm cookies creates a fantastic sweet and salty contrast.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
- Different Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the flavor profile, especially around the holidays.
- Sprinkles: For a festive touch, mix in some colorful sprinkles with the chocolate chips.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
This section walks you through the entire cookie-making process with detailed step-by-step photos and clear instructions. For the complete, printable recipe, including exact measurements and a convenient recipe card, please scroll down to the bottom of this post. Let’s get baking!
Before you begin, make sure your oven is preheated and your baking sheets are ready. This ensures a smooth and efficient baking process.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process can take 2-3 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ texture. Remember to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. Once your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed, add the plain Greek yogurt and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until these wet ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Set this bowl of wet ingredients aside for a moment.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients. Once combined, gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined. It’s very important not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. The dough will likely be quite sticky, which is normal for this recipe.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred chocolate variety) using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing once the chocolate chips are added.
Step 5: Scoop and Space the Dough. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat – this prevents sticking and promotes even baking. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop out uniform portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave ample space, approximately 2 inches, between each cookie. This allows them enough room to spread without merging into one giant cookie blob during baking.
Jaclyn’s Kitchen Faves
Using a cookie scoop makes baking so much easier and ensures perfectly uniform cookies every time! I love my set of 3 scoops—they’re perfect for making cookies of all sizes, from small treats to generously sized bakery-style cookies. Investing in a good set of scoops will streamline your baking and help you achieve consistent, professional-looking results with every batch.
Step 6: Bake and Cool. Bake the cookies in your preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately 9-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft or underbaked, but they will set as they cool. Do not overbake, as this will lead to dry cookies! Once removed from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows them to firm up and fully set before you attempt to move them. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the slightly cooled cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Enjoy your freshly baked, perfectly soft, and chewy Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies!
Storage and Freezing Tips for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is key to keeping your Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies tasting fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:
Storing Baked Cookies:
Once your cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. They will stay wonderfully soft and delicious on your kitchen counter for up to 4 days. To maintain their texture, you can also place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them moist.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
These cookies are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected cravings! To freeze baked cookies, first ensure they are fully cooled. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, layering them with parchment paper if stacking multiple layers. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To enjoy frozen cookies: Simply take out as many as you need and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. For a warm, freshly baked experience, you can also pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough! Scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flash freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
Achieving the perfect cookie can feel like an art, but with these simple tips, your Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies will turn out flawlessly every single time:
- Line Your Cookie Sheets: Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This isn’t just for easy cleanup; it helps prevent the cookies from sticking, promotes even baking, and minimizes over-spreading, ensuring beautifully shaped cookies.
- Don’t Skip Room Temperature Butter: Butter at the right temperature is crucial for proper creaming. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly, leading to a dense cookie. If it’s too warm (melted), your cookies might spread too much.
- Add Extra Chocolate Chips for Presentation: For that irresistible, bakery-style look, gently press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the scooped cookie dough balls just before baking. This makes them visually appealing when they come out of the oven.
- A Sprinkle of Flaked Sea Salt: After baking, while the cookies are still warm, a light sprinkle of flaked sea salt over the top can make a huge difference. The salt enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a wonderful sweet and salty contrast that will make your taste buds sing.
- Allow Them to Rest on the Baking Sheet: These cookies will be quite soft and delicate right out of the oven. Resist the urge to move them immediately! Allowing them to cool and set on the hot baking sheet for about 10 minutes helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking when you transfer them to a wire rack.
- Do Not Overbake! This is perhaps the most important tip for soft and chewy cookies. Keep a close eye on them. Once the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft, remove them from the oven. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat (carryover cooking) as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking is the quickest way to end up with dry, hard cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife. Packing flour into the cup can add too much, resulting in dry dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For even thicker cookies and a richer flavor, you can cover and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents excessive spreading.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try
If you’ve loved these Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide variety of other fantastic cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and expand your baking repertoire. From comforting classics to exciting new flavors, there’s something for everyone:
- Hot Chocolate Cookies: Indulge in the cozy flavors of hot chocolate in cookie form, complete with marshmallows!
- Kitchen Sink Cookies: A delightful mix of sweet and salty, these cookies are packed with all your favorite add-ins.
- Cream Cheese Cookies: Experience incredibly soft and tender cookies with a subtle tang from cream cheese.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: A festive and chewy combination of oats, tart cranberries, and sweet white chocolate.
- Peppermint Meltaways: Perfect for the holidays, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer a refreshing peppermint burst.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use regular plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
- Yes, you can use regular plain yogurt. However, Greek yogurt is thicker and yields a slightly richer, chewier cookie. If using regular yogurt, the dough might be a bit softer, but the cookies will still be delicious. Avoid using flavored or sweetened yogurts unless you adjust the sugar content in the recipe.
- Why are my cookies spreading too much?
- Several factors can cause cookies to spread excessively: butter that’s too soft or melted, not enough flour (or incorrectly measured flour), an oven that isn’t hot enough, or overcrowding the baking sheet. Ensure your butter is at room temperature but still firm, measure flour accurately, preheat your oven properly, and give cookies plenty of space.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- While this recipe hasn’t been specifically tested with gluten-free flour, you might have success using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Beyond that, consider freezing them for longer storage.
- Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
- Absolutely! These cookies are very adaptable. Feel free to experiment with chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), other types of chocolate chips (white chocolate, dark chocolate), toffee bits, or even a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Mix in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract; mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Gradually add this dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. The dough will be quite sticky.
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Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a small cookie scoop or by the tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to leave at least 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.
Notes
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
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We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these incredible Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as we do. They are a testament to how small ingredient swaps can lead to wonderfully delicious and unique results. Happy baking!