The Ultimate Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Chunk Cookies: A Decadent Recipe for Any Occasion
Welcome to a cookie experience that’s truly out of this world! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring the beloved crunch of Oreo cookies, the creamy delight of Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream candy bars, and a generous scattering of classic chocolate chips, all nestled within a rich, chocolatey dough. I confess, finding the perfect name for such a masterpiece was a delightful challenge, but “Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Chunk Cookies” seems to capture their essence perfectly. They’re chunky, they’re creamy, they’re chocolatey, and they are, without a doubt, irresistibly delicious.
The journey to create these cookies began with a simple desire: to bake something truly special that everyone could enjoy. As a passionate baker, the thought of bringing “just a side dish” to our end-of-year flag football picnic felt incomplete. I knew I had to whip up something memorable. My primary goal was to create a nut-free dessert, as one of the boys on the team had a peanut allergy. This immediately narrowed down my options, guiding me towards ingredients that were both safe and universally loved. Fortunately, I had some Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream candy bars leftover from my Double Cookies n’ Cream Kiss Bars, and a lightbulb went off! Why not combine these creamy candy chunks with other classic favorites? This inspired mash-up promised to be a surefire hit, and I was eager to put it to the test.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever brought a dessert that was devoured with such enthusiasm. These cookies yield a substantial batch, and despite the abundance, I’m fairly certain every single one was gone by the end of the picnic. And mind you, there was even a delicious cake! It seemed no one, neither child nor adult, could resist their allure. I overheard countless moms telling their kids, “Alright, that’s enough after pizza, chips, hot dogs, and cake, plus two cookies!” But I must admit, the adults weren’t exactly setting a shining example, sneaking an extra one or two when they thought no one was looking. The sight of happy faces, sticky fingers, and empty platters was the best compliment a baker could receive. These cookies weren’t just a treat; they were the star of the dessert table.
Baking the Perfect Chunk Cookie: Tips and Tricks
Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure they turn out perfectly every time. The combination of softened butter and butter-flavored shortening is crucial for achieving that ideal cookie texture – crisp at the edges, yet wonderfully soft and chewy in the center. Don’t skimp on creaming the butter, shortening, and sugars; this aeration creates a light, fluffy base for your dough. Adding the eggs and vanilla extract should be done carefully, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour.
The dry ingredients – flour, rich cocoa powder, baking soda, and a touch of salt – come together to form the chocolatey foundation. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we’re aiming for tender deliciousness! The star additions, the roughly chopped Oreos, chocolate chips, and Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream bar pieces, are folded in last. The dough will be quite thick at this stage, so don’t be alarmed; that’s exactly what you want for chunky, substantial cookies.
One of the secrets to these cookies’ incredible flavor and texture is the chilling step. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This results in thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape beautifully. When baking, keep a close eye on them. The goal is to bake them just until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, ensuring that perfect balance of chewiness and chocolatey goodness. Overbaking will lead to dry, crumbly cookies, and no one wants that!
Whether you’re making these for a large gathering, a small family treat, or simply to satisfy a craving, these Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Chunk Cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. Their impressive appearance and even more impressive taste make them an instant favorite. Now, let’s get to the full recipe so you can experience this delightful creation for yourself!
Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Chunk Cookies
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Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened (I used Melt)
- 1/3 cup butter flavored shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 16 Oreo’s, roughly chopped
- 1 bag chocolate chips
- 1 king sized Hershey’s Cookies n’ Cream bar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the moment your cookies enter the oven.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, butter flavored shortening, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender cookie texture.
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Beat in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating until everything is well blended and smooth.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Using a sturdy spatula, gently fold in the roughly chopped Oreos, chocolate chips, and pieces of Hershey’s Cookies n’ Cream bar. The dough will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal for these chunky cookies.
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For best results and to prevent excessive spreading, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the butter to firm up and the flavors to deepen.
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Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely set and the centers still look slightly soft. Remember, you don’t want to overbake these for that signature chewy texture.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up without becoming brittle.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once baked and cooled, these Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Chunk Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their delightful chewiness. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience. You can also freeze portions of the raw dough for future baking sessions – simply scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
These cookies are fantastic on their own, perhaps with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. They also make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter, perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. Their rich chocolate flavor and varied textures make them a versatile treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Variations to Explore
While this recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations. You could experiment with different types of Oreo cookies, such as Golden Oreos for a vanilla base or Mint Oreos for a refreshing twist. Instead of Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream bars, try other white chocolate candy bars or even some chopped caramel candies for a different flavor profile. Mix up the chocolate chips too – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination would all be delicious. For a festive touch, add some colorful sprinkles to the dough before baking, or drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these cookies to your personal taste or the occasion.
In conclusion, these Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Chunk Cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire for good reason. They are easy to make, utterly delicious, and consistently win over everyone who tries them. From their rich, fudgy base to the exciting medley of chunks, every bite is a delightful surprise. If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that stands out from the rest, look no further. Give these a try, and prepare to be asked for the recipe again and again! Happy baking!