Malted Chocolate Chip Delights

Transform your classic chocolate chip cookie craving into an extraordinary culinary delight with these irresistible Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine your favorite buttery, chewy chocolate chip cookies, but with an unexpected twist – a rich, subtle, and profoundly satisfying malted flavor. This recipe combines the comfort of a beloved treat with a sophisticated depth that will have everyone reaching for more.

If you were to ask a group of people for their favorite cookie, the answer would almost certainly be the chocolate chip cookie. It’s a timeless classic, a universally adored treat that brings joy with every bite. But what if you could elevate that experience? What if you could introduce a nuance of flavor that makes it even more captivating? That’s precisely what happens when you infuse your chocolate chip cookies with the delightful essence of chocolate malt. The result is a cookie that transcends the ordinary, offering a wonderfully sweet, nutty, and slightly toasted note that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies? Oh, yes please! This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an upgrade. A simple addition transforms a familiar comfort food into something truly special, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon snacks to elegant holiday platters. They freeze beautifully, so you can always have a stash ready for unexpected guests or a sudden craving. Our kids devour them, and yours will too!

Contents

The Irresistible Allure of Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

You already know there’s nothing quite like a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie, bursting with rich butter, sweet brown sugar, and generous chunks of melted chocolate. It’s a classic for a reason. But prepare to be amazed as we unveil how a single ingredient can make your favorite cookie recipe taste even better: malt powder. This secret weapon adds a unique sweet and nutty flavor profile, imparting a subtle depth and toasty undertone that will leave your taste buds wanting more. You might find yourself making a double batch, because these disappear fast – consider yourself warned!

Why Malt is the Secret Ingredient to Your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

Malted milk powder might seem like an unusual addition to cookies, but it’s a game-changer. Derived from sprouted barley, malted milk powder brings a distinctive flavor that is often described as sweet, earthy, and slightly toasty, reminiscent of old-fashioned malted milkshakes. When incorporated into cookie dough, it doesn’t just add flavor; it enhances the overall complexity, creating a rich, caramel-like sweetness that’s incredibly addictive. It contributes to a wonderfully chewy texture and a golden-brown finish, making these cookies stand out in a crowded field of desserts.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful afternoon snack, a special treat for lunchboxes, or simply craving something sweet and comforting, these Chocolate Malt Cookies hit every spot. They offer a refreshing twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies and require no complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. You simply mix the malt powder into your batter, and voilà – you’re on your way to incredibly flavorful cookies that everyone will adore. They’re a simple yet effective way to impress both family and friends with your baking prowess.

If you find yourself enchanted by this recipe for malted chocolate chip cookies, we encourage you to explore other delightful variations on the classic. You might also love these Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies for a boozy adult treat, these festive Peppermint Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies perfect for the holidays, or the refreshing burst of flavor in these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Elevating Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Game

For those who have yet to discover the magic of adding malted milk powder to their baking, prepare for a pleasant surprise. It introduces a delightful depth of flavor, enriching the familiar chocolatey taste with an invitingly toasty note. This isn’t just about chocolate anymore; it’s about a symphony of sweet and earthy tones that dance on your palate. Feel free to personalize these cookies further by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts for extra crunch, or colorful candy pieces for a fun, festive touch.

Just a crucial heads-up: to achieve the perfect texture and prevent spreading, this cookie dough benefits greatly from an overnight chill in the refrigerator. Planning ahead ensures the best possible results, so make sure to factor in this important step!

Essential Ingredients for Your Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crafting these exceptional cookies requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their incredible flavor and texture. For the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing the necessary structure and body.
Chocolate Malt Ovaltine: This is our star ingredient, the secret to unlocking that distinctive and delicious malted flavor. Ovaltine, specifically the chocolate malt variety, infuses the cookies with a rich, complex taste that sets them apart.
Cornstarch: A crucial ingredient for achieving wonderfully thick and chewy cookies. It helps to tenderize the dough, ensuring a soft bite rather than a cakey one.
Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie. Both kosher salt and table salt work well; just be mindful of the quantity if using salted butter.
Baking Powder: Provides a slight lift to the cookies, giving them a pleasant chewiness without making them overly puffy.
Brown Sugar: Delivers that irresistible caramel-like sweetness and contributes significantly to the cookies’ moist and chewy texture. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference for deeper molasses notes.

Butter (Melted): Whether you opt for salted or unsalted, melted butter is key for a rich, buttery flavor and helps create a chewier cookie. If using salted butter, remember to slightly reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.
Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and moisture while contributing to the overall richness and texture of the cookies. Any standard large eggs will work perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best, most aromatic flavor. It’s a classic addition that enhances the sweetness and depth of the chocolate and malt.
Chocolate Chips: We recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite variety – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of different types for added complexity.

Crafting Your Perfect Salted Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies is a straightforward process, but each step contributes to their incredible final result. Follow these simple instructions for baking success:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, chocolate malt Ovaltine, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and brown sugar. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, cream together your wet ingredients (melted butter, eggs, and vanilla).
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in your chosen chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Important Note on Chilling: At this stage, you have two excellent options. You can either scoop the cookie dough into individual balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet before refrigerating, or you can cover the entire bowl of cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it, scooping the dough the following day. Both methods work, but chilling the dough is absolutely essential for flavor development and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dough (either in scooped balls or in the bowl) tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This minimum 8-hour chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the butter to firm up, contributing to a chewier, thicker cookie.
Prepare for Baking: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Scoop Large Cookies: Using a large cookie scoop (we’re aiming for generously sized cookies here!), scoop uniform balls of chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave ample space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking if you desire a chewy texture.

Cooling Process: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps them set properly.
Storage: Ensure the cookies have come to room temperature before storing them. Once fully cooled, they will maintain their freshness for up to a week in an airtight container on your kitchen counter. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving cookie perfection is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out flawlessly every time:

Flaky Sea Salt Finish: For an irresistible sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the top of each cookie immediately after they come out of the oven. The contrasting flavors are divine.
Mixer Options: While hand-mixing is possible, this chocolate chip cookie recipe is easily made using either a reliable hand mixer or a stand mixer for effortless blending and consistent results.
Browned Butter for Extra Depth: For an even richer, nuttier, and more complex flavor profile, consider using browned butter instead of just melted butter. Brown the butter gently on the stovetop until it turns a lovely amber color and smells nutty, then let it cool slightly before incorporating.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: This is arguably the most critical tip! The overnight refrigeration period is non-negotiable. It allows the flour to fully hydrate, the flavors to deepen, and the butter to solidify, all of which are essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring you get thick, chewy, and perfectly formed cookies.
Accurate Measuring: Especially for flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and a dry, cakey cookie.
Quality Ingredients: Using good quality chocolate chips and real vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes for easy cleanup.

FAQs About Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Got questions about baking with malt or troubleshooting common cookie issues? We’ve got answers!

What does malted milk powder do in cookies? Malted milk powder infuses cookies with a distinctive malty flavor, which is a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and slightly roasted or toasty notes. It adds a wonderful depth and richness that truly elevates classic chocolate chip cookies beyond the ordinary. Beyond flavor, it can also contribute to a tender crumb and chewy texture.
Why are my chocolate chip cookies crunchy and not chewy? If your cookies turn out crunchy instead of wonderfully chewy, there could be a couple of reasons. It might be due to not enough fat in the recipe, or more commonly, you might have overbaked them. Baking for too long removes too much moisture, resulting in a crispier texture. Keep an eye on the edges for a golden hue, but aim for a slightly underbaked center for maximum chewiness.
What else can you do with malted milk powder? Malted milk powder is incredibly versatile! Beyond cookies, you can stir it into hot chocolate or coffee for a richer beverage, blend it into milkshakes, add it to cream for a malty whipped topping, or even incorporate it into other baked goods like brownies, cakes, or muffins for a unique flavor twist. It pairs especially well with chocolate and vanilla.
Why are my chocolate chip cookies cakey instead of chewy? A common culprit for cakey cookies is too much flour. When measuring flour, it’s crucial to do it accurately. Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag, as this compacts it. Instead, spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup and then level off the excess with a straight edge or knife. This technique, known as the “spoon and level” method, ensures you use the correct amount, leading to a perfectly chewy cookie.
Can I use different types of malt powder? While this recipe specifies chocolate malt Ovaltine for its convenience and classic flavor, you could experiment with plain malted milk powder for a purer malt taste, adjusting for sweetness as needed.

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations

Baking is an art, and every artist has their own flair! Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe, experimenting with ingredients that cater to your personal taste and dietary preferences. Make these cookies uniquely yours!

Chocolate Choices: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to use any type of chocolate you adore. Opt for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier profile, dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor, or even chunky chocolate bars chopped into irregular pieces for delightful pools of melted chocolate throughout the cookie.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these delectable cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results in texture.
Nutty Additions: Enhance the crunch and flavor by folding in a half cup of chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds along with the chocolate chips.
Extract Variations: While vanilla is traditional, a hint of almond extract or even a touch of coffee extract could complement the malt and chocolate beautifully.

More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Love

If you’ve enjoyed elevating your cookie game with these Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll surely love exploring other delightful recipes. Here are a few more to add to your baking repertoire:

Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies
Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies
Almond Raspberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Gingerdoodle Cookies
Cornflake Crispy Cookies

This recipe for Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies truly takes a good chocolate chip cookie and makes it extraordinary. The addition of malted milk powder introduces a depth of flavor that is both familiar and exciting, transforming a beloved classic into an unforgettable treat. We guarantee it will quickly become a new favorite for everyone who tries them!

Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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Print Recipe

Summary: When Chocolate Malt is added to this classic cookie the outcome is fabulous! You know you will love these Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Additional Time (Chill): 8 hrs

Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate malt cookies, malt chocolate chip cookies, malted chocolate chip cookies, malted milk chocolate chip cookies, salted malted chocolate chip cookies

Servings: 3 dozen

Calories: 153 kcal (per serving)

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Jelly Roll and Cookie Pan, 10.5 x 15.5-Inch
15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup chocolate malt ovaltine
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter melted (2 sticks)
2 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

In a large bowl whisk together flour, Ovaltine, cornstarch, salt, baking powder and brown sugar. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, cream together all of the wet ingredients, fold in dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, scoop dough with a large scoop, we are making BIG cookies here.
Bake for 11-12 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack until cooled completely.
Freezes well.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally posted on November 17, 2014. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on December 1, 2023.