Boneless Chocolate Chip Cookie Fail
Boneless Chocolate Chip Cookie Fail! is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by SJohnsonVoiceOvers on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 52 min
Cost: $10.93 total, $1.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (melted, then cooled to room temperature)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1.25 cups Brown Sugar (packed)
- 0.33 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
- 4 ounces Chocolate Bar (chopped into chunks; any good quality milk or dark chocolate works)
- 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 0.25 cup Extra Chocolate Chunks (for topping each cookie before baking)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together 2 cups flour, ¼ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl combine 1 cup melted unsalted butter (cooled to room temperature), 1 large egg, 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce, 1¼ cups packed brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
Time: PT7M
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula just until incorporated. Do not over‑mix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Time: PT3M
Add Chocolate
Fold in 4 oz chopped chocolate bar (reserve about ¼ cup) and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Time: PT4M
Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into uniform balls (about 2‑tablespoon size) onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Time: PT5M
Add Topping Chocolate
Press a small amount of the reserved chocolate chunks onto the top of each cookie ball for extra gooeyness.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy, Contains Egg
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Wheat, Soy (in chocolate)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, Gluten‑Free All‑Purpose Flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda
- Instead of Baking Soda: Potassium Bicarbonate
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt, Kosher Salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Melted Coconut Oil, Margarine
- Instead of Large Egg: Flax Egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Unsweetened Applesauce: Greek Yogurt, Pumpkin Puree
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Dark Muscovado Sugar
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut Sugar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla Bean Paste
- Instead of Chocolate Bar: Chocolate Chunks
- Instead of Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Mini Chocolate Chips
- Instead of Extra Chocolate Chunks: Chocolate Sprinkles
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Cookie Scoop (optional)
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute leaveners.
- Cool melted butter before mixing with the egg.
- Do not over‑mix after adding the flour.
- Fold chocolate gently to keep dough light.
- Press extra chocolate chunks on top before baking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality chocolate for the best melt and flavor.
- For extra chew, substitute half the butter with melted coconut oil.
- If you prefer a crisp edge, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too much and become thin.
Chill the dough for at least 15 minutes before scooping, and ensure the butter is fully cooled before mixing.
Cookies are under‑baked and doughy in the center.
Bake an additional 1‑2 minutes; check that the oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.
Cookies are overly sweet.
Reduce the white sugar to 2 Tbsp or use a lower‑sweetness chocolate bar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a zip‑top bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 2 days if kept sealed.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough can be refrigerated, wrapped tightly, for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Portioned dough balls freeze well; bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of boneless chocolate chip cookies in American dessert tradition?
Chocolate chip cookies originated in the United States in the 1930s and have become an iconic comfort food. The “boneless” variation emphasizes a super‑chewy, almost cake‑like texture that stays together without a dry crumb, reflecting modern home bakers’ desire for indulgent, melt‑in‑your‑mouth treats.
What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate chip cookies in the United States?
Regional twists include adding oatmeal in the Midwest, using brown butter in the Pacific Northwest, and incorporating peanut butter or cornflakes in the South. The boneless version adds applesauce for extra moisture, a technique popular in newer American cookie trends.
How is the boneless chocolate chip cookie traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served warm or at room temperature with a glass of cold milk, often as an after‑dinner treat or snack for kids’ lunchboxes. The extra chocolate topping makes them especially appealing for parties and casual gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations are boneless chocolate chip cookies associated with in American culture?
Chocolate chip cookies are a staple for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays, as well as informal gatherings such as bake sales, school fundraisers, and family game nights. Their easy‑make nature makes them a go‑to recipe for last‑minute celebrations.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic boneless chocolate chip cookie versus acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients are unsalted butter, brown sugar, a high‑quality chocolate bar, and semisweet chocolate chips. Substitutes can include coconut oil for butter, maple syrup for part of the sugar, or gluten‑free flour, but the texture will change slightly.
What other American desserts pair well with boneless chocolate chip cookies?
Serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic sundae, or with a warm caramel sauce for a decadent dip. They also complement a simple fruit crumble or a slice of cheesecake for a mixed‑dessert platter.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making boneless chocolate chip cookies?
Common errors include using hot melted butter (which cooks the egg), over‑mixing the dough (which creates a tough cookie), and not chilling the dough (which leads to excessive spreading). Following the critical steps prevents these issues.
Why does this boneless chocolate chip cookie recipe use unsweetened applesauce instead of more butter?
Applesauce adds moisture and a tender crumb without adding extra fat, keeping the cookie soft and “boneless” while still delivering a rich flavor. It also helps balance the sweetness from the sugars and chocolate.
Can I make boneless chocolate chip cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months. Baked cookies store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the boneless chocolate chip cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, the tops slightly cracked, and the centers should look set but still soft. The extra chocolate topping should be glossy and just beginning to melt.
What does the YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers specialize in?
The YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers focuses on detailed, narrative‑driven cooking tutorials, often adding humor and personal anecdotes while breaking down classic comfort‑food recipes for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers' approach to American dessert recipes differ from other cooking channels?
SJohnsonVoiceOvers combines storytelling with step‑by‑step visual cues, emphasizing the science behind each technique (like why melted butter must cool). This educational style sets it apart from channels that simply demonstrate without explanation.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
