Subway cookies are famous for their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how to replicate them at home, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step Subway-style cookie recipe, including the secret ingredients and baking tips that make them taste just like the ones from Subway.
Why Are Subway Cookies So Special?
The Secret Behind Their Soft and Chewy Texture
Subway cookies are known for their crispy edges and gooey center. This is achieved by using a high brown sugar ratio, melting the butter before mixing, and slightly underbaking them. The cooling process also plays a crucial role in retaining moisture and keeping them soft for days.
The science of cookie texture is fascinating. Using a higher moisture content in the dough, which comes from melted butter and brown sugar, ensures that the cookies spread just enough while baking. The baking soda reaction also contributes to the perfect texture, as it creates a slight puff before the cookies settle into their chewy consistency.
Subway’s Most Popular Cookie Flavors
While Subway offers a variety of cookies, these flavors are the most beloved:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- White chocolate macadamia nut cookies
- Oatmeal raisin cookies
- Double chocolate cookies
- Raspberry cheesecake cookies
- Peanut butter cookies
How Subway Bakes Their Cookies Fresh Daily
One key reason Subway cookies taste so good is that they are baked fresh daily. They use pre-portioned frozen dough, ensuring consistency in size and taste. Baking at the right temperature and not overbaking keeps them soft and chewy. Now, let’s move on to how you can achieve the same results at home.
Essential Ingredients for Subway-Style Cookies
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Texture
To get the chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll need:
- Butter (melted or softened)
- Brown sugar and white sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking soda
- Salt
Choosing the Right Chocolate Chips and Mix-ins
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips for the classic Subway taste
- White chocolate chips and macadamia nuts for a creamy crunch
- Oats and raisins for a soft and hearty texture
- Raspberry bits for a fruity twist
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchier texture
Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder – What Makes Cookies Chewy?
Baking soda is crucial for spread and chewiness, while baking powder makes cookies more cake-like. Subway cookies use baking soda for that signature soft, chewy bite.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Subway-Style Cookies
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough Like Subway
- Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and white sugar with the melted butter until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to ensure a smooth blend.
- Fold in your chosen chocolate chips or mix-ins.
Step 2: The Best Way to Chill Your Dough for the Perfect Texture
Chilling the dough is essential for flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour (overnight is best).
- Chilled dough prevents cookies from spreading too much and enhances chewiness.
- The flavors meld together better, creating a richer taste.
Step 3: Baking Tips for Soft and Chewy Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough into 2-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes – the edges should be golden brown, but the center will look slightly underbaked.
- Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Pro Tips to Make Your Cookies Taste Just Like Subway’s
Why Chilling the Dough Overnight Enhances Flavor
Letting the dough rest overnight allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a richer, more developed flavor. It also helps the cookies maintain their thick, chewy texture.
How to Achieve That Golden Brown but Soft Center
- Don’t overbake – the cookies will continue to cook as they cool.
- Use a silicone baking mat to help them bake evenly.
- Bake at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) for a softer texture.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure the batter mixes well.
Storage Tips – Keeping Cookies Fresh and Chewy for Days
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
- Reheat in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their gooey texture.
- Freeze cookie dough balls and bake fresh whenever you crave cookies.
- Layer cookies with parchment paper in storage to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Subway Cookies Without Eggs?
Yes, substitute eggs with:
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg
How Do I Make Gluten-Free or Vegan Subway Cookies?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan butter and chocolate chips with dairy-free alternatives.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough for Later?
Absolutely! Here’s how:
Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Making Subway-style cookies at home is easier than you think. By following these tips, using the right ingredients, and chilling your dough, you’ll achieve that signature soft, chewy, and delicious cookie every time.
Try out this Subway Cookies and let your creativity shine! We’d love to see your sweet creations. Tag us on Instagram at @SweetEatsRecipes and use the hashtag #SubwayCookies to get featured.
Subway-Style Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Base Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins (Choose Your Favorite Flavor)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup macadamia nuts
- 3/4 cup rolled oats and 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 3/4 cup chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup raspberry bits and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the DoughMelt the butter and let it cool slightly.In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and white sugar with the melted butter. Mix until smooth.Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry IngredientsIn a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Fold in Mix-insChoose your favorite mix-in combination and fold it into the dough.
- Chill the DoughCover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results).
- Bake the CookiesPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Scoop dough into 2-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the sheet.Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are golden but the center is slightly underbaked.
- Cool and EnjoyLet cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, chill the dough overnight.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
- Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake when needed.