Malt-Infused Chocolate Chip Perfection

Irresistible Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy & Flavorful Recipe

Prepare to elevate your cookie game with these extraordinary Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Taking your beloved classic chocolate chip cookie recipe to new heights, this recipe incorporates a secret ingredient: malted milk powder. The result is a uniquely flavorful and incredibly chewy cookie that will quickly become a household favorite. If you thought chocolate chip cookies couldn’t get any better, think again!

A plate of golden brown Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies, featuring a rich, chewy texture and melted chocolate chips

It’s safe to say that the chocolate chip cookie reigns supreme as America’s favorite cookie. Ask almost anyone, and chances are they’ll name this timeless treat as their top choice. But what if we told you there’s a way to make this iconic dessert even more sensational? Our Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies introduce a delightful twist by infusing the rich, classic flavor with the sweet and distinctive notes of chocolate malt. The outcome is a cookie that’s familiar yet excitingly new, offering a depth of flavor that will truly surprise and delight your taste buds.

Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies? Absolutely! This innovative recipe transforms the everyday into an indulgence. Prepare yourself for a chorus of “yes, please!” from anyone lucky enough to try them.

These cookies are not just incredibly delicious; they’re also remarkably convenient. They freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping your sweet cravings. We’ve been adding a few to our cookie jar here and there since baking our last batch, and they vanish almost instantly, much to the delight of the kids. Their crowd-pleasing appeal makes them an ideal addition to your holiday dessert platters, a thoughtful gift for friends and family, or simply a perfect treat for any ordinary day when you desire something truly special.

Why Malted Milk Powder is the Secret Ingredient

You already know and love the comforting richness of chewy chocolate chip cookies, packed with butter, brown sugar, and an abundance of melty chocolate chips. But introducing malt powder takes this beloved classic to an entirely new dimension. Malted milk powder brings a unique sweetness and a subtle, nutty, and toasty flavor profile that complements the chocolate beautifully. This addition creates a complex and irresistible taste that will have you reaching for a second, or even a third, cookie. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a double batch – they disappear at an astonishing rate!

Perfect for Any Occasion: The Appeal of Malt Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whether you’re seeking a delightful afternoon snack, a comforting addition to a lunchbox, or simply a sweet pick-me-up, these malt chocolate chip cookies are guaranteed to hit the spot. They offer a refreshing change of pace from traditional chocolate chip cookies, yet require no obscure ingredients or complicated baking techniques. The process is straightforward: simply incorporate the malt powder into your cookie batter, and you’re on your way to baking incredibly flavorful cookies that everyone will adore. This simple step unlocks a world of enhanced taste, delivering a truly gourmet cookie experience with minimal effort.

If you find yourself enchanted by the unique flavor of these malted chocolate chip cookies, we highly recommend exploring other delightful variations. You might also love these Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, the festive Peppermint Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies, or the refreshing Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each recipe offers a distinct spin on the classic, promising a new favorite for every palate.

Unveiling the Richness of Chocolate Malt Cookies

Close-up of baked Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies on a cooling rack, showing their crinkled tops and generous chocolate distribution.

If the idea of adding malted milk powder to your cookies is new to you, prepare to be wonderfully surprised. This simple addition introduces a remarkable depth of flavor, moving beyond the familiar chocolatey goodness to include delightful toasty and nutty undertones. It’s a subtle yet impactful change that truly elevates the cookie experience. Feel free to customize your batch by incorporating your other favorite cookie add-ins, such as crunchy nuts for texture or vibrant colored candies for a fun visual appeal. Just remember that the dough requires an overnight chill in the refrigerator, so be sure to plan your baking schedule accordingly to allow for this crucial step.

Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie dough balls scooped onto a baking sheet, ready for chilling and baking.

Essential Ingredients for Your Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crafting these incredible malted milk chocolate chip cookies requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their perfect texture and flavor. For a comprehensive list of quantities and detailed instructions, scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.

  • All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural base of our cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while remaining tender.
  • Chocolate Malt Ovaltine: The star ingredient! Ovaltine is key to imparting that distinctive, rich malted flavor, transforming these into truly special cookies. It’s the secret to their unique goodness.
  • Cornstarch: A touch of cornstarch is added to ensure these cookies bake up beautifully thick and wonderfully soft, preventing them from spreading too much.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors. Both kosher salt or fine table salt will work perfectly.
  • Baking Powder: This leavening agent provides a slight lift, contributing to the cookies’ desirable texture without making them cakey.
  • Brown Sugar: Essential for that signature chewy texture and deep, caramel-like sweetness. You can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference for a milder or richer caramel note.

Ingredients for Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies laid out on a table, including flour, chocolate chips, and Ovaltine.

  • Butter: Melted butter (salted or unsalted) provides richness and helps create that chewy texture. If using salted butter, remember to slightly reduce the amount of added salt in the dough to avoid over-salting.
  • Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding moisture and structure to the cookie dough. Standard large eggs are perfect for this recipe.
  • Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best, most authentic flavor. It enhances the sweetness and depth of the chocolate and malt.
  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice and provide a balanced sweetness. However, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chocolate chunks to customize your cookies to your liking.

Crafting Salted Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies: Step-by-Step

Making these delightful Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies is a straightforward process, involving just a few simple steps. The key to their incredible flavor and texture lies in following these instructions carefully, especially the chilling time!

Step-by-step visual showing wet and dry ingredients being combined for Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies.

  1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, meticulously whisk together the all-purpose flour, chocolate malt Ovaltine, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and brown sugar. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and no clumps remain. Set this mixture aside.
  2. **Mix Wet Ingredients:** In a separate mixing bowl, cream together all the wet ingredients (melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract) until smooth and well-incorporated.
  3. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough cookies.
  4. **Fold in Chocolate Chips:** Gently fold in your chosen chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chocolate chip cookie dough with malt, showing rich texture and plenty of chocolate chips.

**Note on Chilling:** At this stage, you have two convenient options. You can either scoop the cookie dough into individual balls and then refrigerate them, or you can refrigerate the entire bowl of dough and scoop the balls the following day. Both methods work perfectly, but chilling is non-negotiable for the best results.

A bowl of Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie dough covered with plastic wrap, ready for refrigeration.

Cover the bowl of cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This essential step allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, preventing excessive spreading during baking and resulting in perfectly thick and chewy cookies.

Portioned Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie dough balls, scooped and ready for baking.

Once your dough has properly chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Using a large cookie scoop, portion out generous balls of cookie dough. We’re aiming for deliciously BIG cookies here, so don’t be shy with your scoops!

Close-up of golden brown Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies on a baking sheet, fresh out of the oven.

Bake the cookies for approximately 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers still appear slightly soft. This ensures a wonderfully chewy interior. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This resting period on the hot sheet helps them set properly without breaking apart.

For optimal storage and enjoyment, allow the cookies to come to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Stored on your kitchen counter, they will remain fresh and delicious for up to a week. For longer preservation, these cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.

Essential Tips & Tricks for Perfect Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk, a perfect pairing.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If you’re already envisioning baking these incredibly delicious malted chocolate chip cookies, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so it’s always handy when that cookie craving hits!

A close-up of a single Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie with a gooey center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • What exactly does malt milk powder contribute to cookies? Malt milk powder is the magic ingredient that infuses cookies with a distinctive malty flavor. This flavor is often described as sweet, nutty, and slightly roasted or toasty. It adds a wonderful layer of complexity and a rich, old-fashioned taste that elevates classic chocolate chip cookies far beyond the ordinary.
  • Why do my chocolate chip cookies turn out crunchy instead of chewy? If your cookies lack chewiness and end up crunchy, it could be due to a couple of factors. One common reason is insufficient fat content in the dough, which impacts the tenderness. Another very frequent cause is overbaking. Cookies continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the oven, so aim to take them out when the edges are golden brown and the centers still look a little soft.
  • What are other creative uses for malted milk? Malted milk is incredibly versatile! Beyond cookies, you can stir it into your morning hot chocolate or coffee for an added layer of flavor. It also blends beautifully into creams, milkshakes, or can be mixed into your favorite brownie or cake batter for a unique twist. Its sweet, distinctive taste is truly adaptable.
  • Why are my chocolate chip cookies cakey instead of chewy? A cakey texture in cookies often indicates too much flour in the recipe. Accurate flour measurement is crucial for achieving the desired chewy consistency. To measure flour correctly, spoon it lightly into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with the straight edge of a knife. Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, as this can compact the flour and lead to an excess amount.

Substitutions and Customizations

When it comes to baking, don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity! Feel empowered to make substitutions that align with your personal taste preferences and any dietary needs. Make this recipe truly your own!

  • Chocolate Variety: The beauty of chocolate chip cookies is their adaptability. While semi-sweet is a classic, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer. Swap in milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier profile, opt for dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor, or even use chocolate chunks for larger, melty pockets of chocolate goodness. Mini chocolate chips also work wonderfully for more even distribution.

  • Gluten-Free Option: To make these delicious cookies suitable for those avoiding gluten, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results, or add a quarter teaspoon if it does not.

Advanced Baking Tips & Tricks

  • Enhance with Sea Salt: For an exquisite balance of sweet and salty, consider sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the top of each cookie dough ball before baking. This simple addition beautifully complements the rich chocolate and malty notes.

  • Mixing Methods: While whisking by hand is perfectly fine, you can also effortlessly prepare this chocolate chip cookie recipe using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. These tools can make the creaming of wet ingredients and combining of dough quicker and more efficient.

  • Browned Butter for Depth: For an even richer, nuttier, and more complex flavor profile, try browning your butter before incorporating it into the wet ingredients. This extra step adds a fantastic depth that serious bakers will appreciate.

  • Crucial Chill Time: Do NOT compromise on the overnight chilling time for this cookie dough. This step is absolutely essential. It allows the flour to fully hydrate, the flavors to deepen, and, most importantly, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring you achieve wonderfully thick, chewy, and perfectly textured cookies.

More Delicious Recipes to Love

If you’ve enjoyed baking and tasting these Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll surely love exploring these other fantastic cookie recipes. Each one offers a unique flavor and texture profile, perfect for any occasion.

  • Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies: A creative twist on the classic snickerdoodle, featuring a delightful jam center.

  • Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies: Bright, zesty, and perfectly chewy cookies finished with a sweet, tangy lemon glaze.

  • Almond Raspberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies: Delicate shortbread cookies with an almond essence and a vibrant raspberry preserve filling.

  • Gingerdoodle Cookies: A warm and spicy fusion of snickerdoodle and gingerbread flavors.

  • Cornflake Crispy Cookies: A fun, crunchy cookie that’s easy to make and irresistibly textural.

A beautifully styled shot of a plate of Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies, emphasizing their golden color and tempting chocolate.

This recipe for Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies truly takes a good chocolate chip cookie and transforms it into something extraordinary. With its unique depth of flavor and perfectly chewy texture, we guarantee it will become everyone’s new favorite, earning a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.

Michaela's signature for the author of the recipe.

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Print Recipe

Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

When Chocolate Malt is added to this classic cookie the outcome is fabulous! You know you will love this Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Additional Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 15 minutes
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 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: 153kcal
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
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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

Serving: 1 | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 138mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g

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