Subway’s cookies have long been a beloved treat for sandwich enthusiasts and sweet tooth indulgers alike. These soft, chewy delights have become an iconic part of the Subway experience, often tempting customers to add a little something extra to their meal. But what makes these cookies so special? What’s the secret that sets them apart from your average bakery treat? Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Subway’s cookie recipe to uncover the hidden elements that make these treats so irresistible.
The Not-So-Secret Secret Ingredient
When it comes to Subway’s cookies, there’s one ingredient that stands out as a game-changer: cream cheese. Yes, you read that right. This unexpected addition is what gives Subway cookies their unique, cheesecake-like taste and texture. It’s not something you’d typically find in your average cookie recipe, which is precisely why it makes such a difference.
The inclusion of cream cheese in the dough contributes to the cookies’ rich flavor profile and adds a subtle tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness. It also plays a crucial role in achieving that signature soft and chewy texture that Subway cookies are known for. The cream cheese acts as a moisture-retaining agent, helping to keep the cookies soft even days after baking.
But it’s not just about throwing some cream cheese into the mix. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. Too much cream cheese, and you’ll end up with a dense, overly rich cookie. Too little, and you’ll miss out on that distinctive Subway flavor. It’s this delicate balance that Subway has mastered, creating a cookie that’s uniquely theirs.
Tip: When trying to replicate Subway cookies at home, opt for full-fat cream cheese for the best results. The higher fat content contributes to a richer flavor and better texture.
Of course, cream cheese isn’t the only special ingredient that makes Subway cookies stand out. Another key player in the recipe is powdered milk. This might seem like an odd addition, but it’s crucial in achieving that commercial bakery taste that we associate with Subway cookies. Powdered milk adds a subtle depth of flavor and contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.
For those looking to recreate the Subway cookie experience at home, investing in a quality stand mixer can make a world of difference. It ensures that all ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are thoroughly incorporated into the dough, resulting in a more consistent texture and flavor throughout the batch.
The Flavor Explosion: Beyond the Basics
While the cream cheese base is consistent across all Subway cookie varieties, each flavor has its own unique twist. Take the Raspberry Cheesecake cookie, for instance. This flavor combines white chocolate chips with real raspberry baking bits, creating a fruity explosion that perfectly complements the cheesecake-like base.
The raspberry bits aren’t just any old dried fruit. They’re made by mixing concentrated raspberry puree with white chocolate chips, resulting in bursts of intense raspberry flavor throughout the cookie. This attention to detail is what elevates Subway cookies from good to great, creating a taste experience that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
But it’s not just about the fruity flavors. Subway’s classic Chocolate Chip cookie also has its own secrets. The recipe calls for a combination of white and brown sugar, which contributes to the cookies’ crisp edges and soft, chewy centers. A touch of molasses is also added, but used sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Tip: When making your own Subway-style cookies, don’t skimp on the quality of your add-ins. Use real chocolate chips and high-quality nuts for the best flavor and texture.
For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, a good set of baking sheets is essential. Different materials can affect how your cookies bake, so investing in quality bakeware can help you achieve that perfect Subway cookie texture – crisp on the edges and chewy in the middle.
The Science Behind the Softness
One of the most distinctive features of Subway cookies is their incredible softness. Even days after baking, these cookies maintain a tender, chewy texture that’s hard to resist. But how do they achieve this seemingly magical quality? The answer lies in a combination of ingredients and techniques.
First, let’s talk about the flour. Subway cookies use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture. It also helps the cookies maintain their structure, preventing them from spreading too much during baking.
Another key factor in achieving that perfect texture is the use of vegetable oil instead of butter. While butter adds flavor, oil contributes to a softer, more tender crumb. This, combined with the moisture-retaining properties of the cream cheese, is what gives Subway cookies their signature softness.
Tip: When making your own Subway-style cookies, chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and contributes to a chewier texture.
The baking process itself is also crucial. Subway cookies are baked until they’re just set on the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center. This ensures that they stay soft and chewy even after they’ve cooled. If you’re trying to replicate this at home, invest in a reliable oven thermometer to ensure your baking temperature is accurate.
Interestingly, Subway cookies aren’t baked fresh in stores. They’re actually cut and flash frozen offsite, then distributed to individual stores in weekly shipments. This process allows for consistency across all locations and contributes to the cookies’ unique texture. When baked from a frozen state, the cookies spread less and retain more moisture, resulting in that perfect soft and chewy texture we all love.
While we may not be able to replicate this exact process at home, chilling your cookie dough thoroughly before baking can help achieve a similar effect. Some bakers even freeze their cookie dough balls before baking to mimic Subway’s method more closely.
In the end, the secret to Subway’s irresistible cookies isn’t just one ingredient or technique, but a carefully crafted combination of elements. From the unexpected addition of cream cheese to the use of bread flour and the specific baking process, every aspect of these cookies has been fine-tuned to create a treat that’s uniquely Subway. While we may not be able to replicate them exactly at home, understanding these secrets can help us create our own delicious cookies that capture some of that Subway magic. So the next time you bite into one of these soft, chewy delights, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the science and craft behind this simple yet extraordinary treat.
Copycat Subway Chocolate Chip Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: American4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIndulge in the irresistible taste of Subway’s famous chocolate chip cookies with this spot-on copycat recipe that captures the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons powdered milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 tablespoon molasses
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, baking soda, and powdered milk. This combination of flours and the addition of powdered milk are key to achieving the unique Subway cookie texture. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, dark brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The addition of cream cheese is crucial for that signature Subway cookie taste and texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. The molasses adds depth to the flavor, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand using a spatula.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the right texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Scoop the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. For a more authentic Subway look, slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For the best results, use room temperature ingredients, especially for the butter, cream cheese, and egg.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- For an extra chewy texture, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subway Cookies
Q: What makes Subway cookies so unique?
A: Subway cookies are unique due to their combination of ingredients and preparation methods. The secret ingredient is cream cheese in the dough, which gives them a distinct cheesecake-like flavor and contributes to their soft, chewy texture. Other key elements include the use of bread flour for chewiness, powdered milk for flavor, and a specific baking process that results in crisp edges and soft centers.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. After preparing the dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
Q: How can I achieve the perfect texture for my homemade Subway cookies?
A: To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps create that chewy center. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough or overbake the cookies. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven, as they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Q: What’s the best way to store homemade Subway-style cookies?
A: Store your homemade Subway-style cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their softness, you can add a slice of bread to the container, which will help keep the cookies moist. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
