Social media exploded excitedly when Subway announced they were releasing footlong versions of their beloved cookies in 2023. Lines formed at locations lucky enough to offer these massive treats, and customers couldn’t wait to share photos of themselves holding cookies nearly as long as their forearms.
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What makes this such a fun cookie?
I had to see what all the fuss was about, so I waited in line for 20 minutes at my local Subway to get my hands on one. The first bite revealed something surprising – this wasn’t just a scaled-up version of their regular cookies. The texture was lighter, almost cake-like, with crisp edges giving way to a tender center. The balance of sweetness and chocolate was perfect, and I immediately knew I needed to recreate this at home.
After several test batches (and many happy taste-testers), I’ve cracked the code. The secret? It’s all about baking these giants in loaf pans rather than on cookie sheets. This method creates that unique texture that makes Subway’s footlong cookies so special – and now you can enjoy them anytime without waiting in line!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No special baking skills required – just follow the simple directions!
- Creates the exact light, cake-like texture that distinguishes Subway’s footlong cookies
- Perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want to impress
- More affordable than buying them at Subway ($5-6 each vs. about $1.50 in ingredients)
- Customizable with different mix-ins to suit your taste
- Makes a fun activity for kids who love to help in the kitchen
The Secret to Perfect Texture
Their unique texture makes Subway’s footlong cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies. Regular cookies spread out on a baking sheet, creating thin treats with chewy or crispy textures. But footlong cookies are baked in loaf pans, which:
- Prevents them from spreading too much
- Creates a more cake-like interior texture
- Develops crisp edges while keeping the center soft
- Ensures even baking from edge to center
The loaf pan is non-negotiable for this recipe – without it, you’ll end up with regular cookies, not the special footlong experience!
Equipment Needed
- Two 4.5 x 12-inch non-stick loaf pans (Wilton makes an ideal size)
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients and Their Purpose
- Unsalted butter – Creates a rich base and helps develop that tender crumb; using unsalted lets you control the salt level
- White granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create those slightly crispy edges
- Light brown sugar – Adds moisture, depth of flavor, and that subtle caramel note
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie
- Vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors and provides that classic cookie aroma
- All-purpose flour – The structure of the cookie; the specific amount is crucial for the cake-like texture
- Baking soda – The leavening agent that gives the cookies their rise and light texture
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor
- Chocolate chips – The star mix-in, providing pockets of melty chocolate throughout
Although it is not an ingredient, the most essential thing in this recipe is the right pan. You won’t get the correct texture if you bake these cookies on a sheet pan. You need two non-stick loaf pans that are about 4.5 inches wide and 12 inches long. Wilton makes a great option.Â
How to make a Subway Footlong Cookie
To prepare the dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, use a paddle attachment to cream together the unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on MEDIUM speed.
- Once the butter lightens in color and becomes fluffy, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix for 15 to 20 seconds on LOW. Don’t overmix, or the cookie will be too crunchy.
- Whisk together the AP flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients in two additions to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together but isn’t too stiff.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir them into the dough with a wooden spoon or your hands.
To bake the cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line two loaf pans with parchment paper.
- Divide the cookie dough in half and add each half to one prepared loaf pan.
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking.
- Place the loaf pans on a wire rack to cool. You need to leave the cookies in the pans while they are cool to prevent the cookies from spreading.
- Once the cookies are at room temperature, use the parchment paper to gently lift the cookies out of the pans and onto a cooling rack.
Subway Chocolate Chip Footlong Cookie
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Divide the dough in half. Place each piece of dough into an ungreased long loaf pan (about 12 x 4.5 inches) that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Place the pans in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave the cookies in the pan until they set. If you remove the cookies before they set, they will spread.
Nutrition
Recipe variations
It’s easy to swap out or add ingredients to change up Subway chocolate chip cookies to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips.
- Add 1/2 cup of pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
- Substitute chocolate chips with dried berries such as cranberries or blueberries.
What to serve with Subway Footlong Cookies
A glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of coffee or tea is all you need to enjoy a Footlong Chocolate Chip Cookie, but if you want to make these cookies extra special, try pairing them with one of these options:
French Vanilla Ice Cream. A Footlong Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich? Yes, please! Although there is no reason why you can’t make them using store-bought ice cream, homemade French Vanilla Ice Cream will make the ice cream sandwiches so much better. You’ll need an ice cream maker to prepare this custard-based ice cream; a decent machine isn’t too expensive.
Spiced Pecans. If you don’t put nuts in the chocolate chip cookies, you can always serve them on the side. But these Spiced Pecans aren’t like any you’ve ever had before. After a light dusting of cinnamon and sugar, they are tossed with warm baking spices that give them a uniquely delicious taste. These salty and sweet pecans pair perfectly with the richness of a Subway Footlong Cookie.
Cool Whip Fruit Dip. This creamy dip isn’t just for fruit. Cut cooled Chocolate Chip Footlong Cookies into strips and serve them with this easy Cool Whip Fruit Dip. The tang from the sour cream helps balance out the sweetness of the chocolate chip cookies.
How to store a footlong chocolate chip cookie
You can keep the cookies in an airtight container on the counter, in the fridge, or even in the freezer! Let the cookies come up to room temperature before eating.
How long will a footlong chocolate chip cookie last?
In an airtight container on the counter, the cookie will last a day or two. You’ll get an extra day of storage if you put them in the fridge, and Subway’s Footlong Cookie will stay good for a month or more in the freezer.
More Subway copycat recipes
Favorite copycat cookie recipes
- Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookies
- Crumbl Sugar Cookies
- Crumbl Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Girl Scout Lemonades
- Girl Scout Samoas
- Girl Scout Tagalongs
- Girl Scout Thin Mints
- Panera Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Panera Lemon Drop Cookies
- Walkers Shortbread Cookies
Check out my easy recipes for cookies and the best copycat fast food recipes on CopyKat!
Recreate Subway’s viral sensation at home with this foolproof copycat recipe. This giant, cake-like chocolate chip cookies capture the unique texture and flavor that made Subway’s footlong cookies an internet phenomenon. The secret is baking them in loaf pans rather than on cookie sheets, creating that perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers. Costing just $1.50 in ingredients compared to $5-6 at Subway, these impressive treats are perfect for celebrations or whenever your cookie craving strikes. Customize with different mix-ins, transform into ice cream sandwiches, or serve as a birthday cookie cake – the possibilities are endless!
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