There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. I’ve always loved Mrs. Fields for their perfect blend of chewy centers and crispy edges, making each bite a delightful experience. But what if I told you you can recreate these beloved treats right in your own kitchen?
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Tools
To recreate the perfect Mrs. Fields copycat cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls
Use a medium-sized bowl for combining wet ingredients and a large bowl for mixing in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors and textures. A standard set of measuring cups and spoons will do the trick.
- Electric Mixer
An electric hand mixer or a stand mixer will help you achieve a smooth and creamy dough effortlessly.
- Spatula
A flexible rubber spatula is perfect for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls and folding in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Baking Sheets
Invest in sturdy, rimmed baking sheets to prevent cookie dough from spreading over the edges. This ensures evenly baked cookies every time.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cooling Racks
Allow your cookies to cool on wire racks. This helps maintain their chewy centers and crispy edges without becoming soggy.
- Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon
For uniform cookie sizes, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough consistently.
- Oven Thermometer
Ensure your oven is at the perfect temperature with an oven thermometer. This guarantees that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the desired texture.
Having these tools ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, bringing you one step closer to delicious, homemade Mrs. Fields-style cookies.
Make-Ahead Instructions
I love having fresh cookies on hand without the last-minute rush. Here’s how you can prepare your Mrs. Fields Copycat Cookies ahead of time:
- Prepare the Dough
Mix all ingredients as per the recipe until well combined. Ensure the dough is smooth and consistent.
- Portion the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into even-sized balls. This ensures uniform baking.
- Pre-Freeze the Dough Balls
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced apart to prevent sticking. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
- Store Properly
Transfer the frozen dough balls into an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Label with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Bake When Ready
When you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies, preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe. No need to thaw the dough; place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet, spacing them appropriately. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Refrigerate for Extra Flavor
For an enhanced flavor and chewier texture, you can refrigerate the dough balls for 24 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing them in the oven.
Directions
Recreating the perfect Mrs. Fields copycat cookies is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to bake chewy, crispy, and utterly delicious cookies right in your kitchen.
Prepare Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened, with 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar and 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until the dough is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips
Stir in 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 24 hours. This step enhances the flavors and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
Bake Cookies
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place parchment paper or silicone baking mats on your baking sheets to prevent sticking.
- Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked. For a softer center, err on the shorter baking time.
- Rotate Baking Sheets
Halfway through baking, rotate the sheets to ensure even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Cool and Serve
- Initial Cooling
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set and makes transferring easier.
- Transfer to Cooling Racks
Using a spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely, which helps them achieve the perfect chewy-crispy balance.
- Enjoy or Store
Serve the cookies warm with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 350°F (175°C) |
| Bake Cookies | 10-12 minutes |
| Initial Cooling | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | Approximately 1.5 hours (including chilling) |
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures your Mrs. Fields copycat cookies stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how I keep my cookies at their best:
Short-Term Storage
- Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack to prevent moisture buildup.
- Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewy centers and crispy edges.
- Layering: If stacking, add parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Long-Term Storage
To keep your cookies fresh for longer, freezing is your best friend.
- Prepare for Freezing:
- Freeze Dough Balls: Shape the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid.
- Transfer to Containers: Once frozen, move the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Layering: Add parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Labeling: Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Storage Duration: Your cookies can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating Frozen Cookies
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, follow these steps:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake from Frozen: Place the frozen dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Adjust Baking Time: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool Before Storing: Let the cookies cool completely before transferring them to a storage container.
Storage Duration Overview
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week |
| Refrigerated | Up to 2 weeks |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months |
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Mrs. Fields copycat cookies at their peak freshness whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
Baking these Mrs. Fields copycat cookies has truly become one of my favorite kitchen adventures. There’s something magical about creating those perfect chewy centers and crispy edges right at home.
I love sharing this recipe with friends and family, watching their faces light up with each bite. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful treats as much as I do. Happy baking!
