We’ve always been huge fans of Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream candy—those irresistible chocolate wafers with creamy centers. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our take on Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookie Recipe, a delightful twist that brings that iconic flavor right into your kitchen.
It’s the perfect blend of crunchy cookies and sweet surprises, making it an easy win for family treats or parties. We’ll guide you through simple steps to create these crowd-pleasers that capture the essence of a classic favorite.
Ingredients
As passionate food bloggers, we love sourcing high-quality ingredients to craft our Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies—a crunchy, indulgent treat that captures the essence of creamy chocolate and cookie pieces in every bite.
To prepare this recipe, gather the following ingredients in the order we typically use them. We’ve noted any necessary prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature for optimal creaming and texture.
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, for adding a crisp sweetness that balances the chocolate flavors.
- Brown sugar: 3/4 cup, packed, to provide a moist, caramel-like depth we adore in cookie dough.
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature, ensuring they blend seamlessly for a rich batter.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, pure variety for enhancing the overall aroma and taste.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, sifted, as the base for our sturdy yet tender cookies.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, to help the cookies rise and achieve that perfect golden bake.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, for balancing sweetness and bringing out the Hershey’s Cookies N Cream notes.
- Hershey’s Cookies N Cream candy bars: 6 bars (about 12 ounces total), chopped into 1/2-inch pieces, as the star add-in for those signature creamy surprises.
- Optional mix-ins: 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies, for extra crunch if you want to amplify the cookies n cream theme in our dough.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies to life, we rely on essential baking tools that ensure precise preparation and perfect results. Building on the ingredients we discussed earlier, having the right equipment helps mix, shape, and bake those indulgent cookies with ease and efficiency.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment we recommend for this recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: We suggest using at least two medium-sized stainless steel or glass mixing bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the ideal texture in our cookies, so opt for a set of standard measuring cups (for flour, sugars, etc.) and spoons (for extracts and leavening agents).
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming butter and sugars smoothly, we prefer an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with attachments; it saves time and ensures a fluffy dough base.
- Baking Sheets: Sturdy, rimmed baking sheets are essential—we recommend non-stick ones—to evenly bake multiple cookies at once without any sticking issues.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These non-stick liners protect our baking sheets and make cleanup a breeze, while helping the cookies bake evenly for that signature crunch.
- Spatula or Cookie Scoop: A silicone spatula works wonders for folding in Hershey’s Cookies N Cream candy pieces, and a dedicated cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) ensures uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.
- Oven Thermometer: To guarantee our cookies turn out perfectly golden, we always use an oven thermometer to verify accurate temperatures, as oven variations can affect baking time.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, a wire cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing sogginess and enhancing their delightful crisp exterior and chewy center.
With this equipment on hand, we’re set to transform those high-quality ingredients into irresistible Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies that will impress at any gathering.
Instructions
Now that we have our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment lined up, let’s transform them into irresistible Hershey’s Cookies N’ Cream Cookies. We’ll walk you through each step with precision to deliver cookies that boast a perfect balance of crunchy texture and sweet, creamy surprises.
Prepare the Dough
First, we start by creaming the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. This step ensures our cookies achieve that signature soft center and crisp edge.
Next, we add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract to create a smooth, aromatic base that infuses every bite with rich flavor.
In a separate bowl, we whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined, guaranteeing the dough’s structure and preventing it from spreading too much during baking.
Finally, we gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined, then gently fold in the chopped Hershey’s Cookies N’ Cream candy bars (and optional crushed Oreo cookies) to distribute those delightful chocolate and cookie pieces evenly throughout the dough.
Shape and Chill
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, we portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even expansion.
For optimal results, we chill the shaped dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour, as this step firms up the dough and enhances the cookies’ chewy texture while preventing excessive spreading in the oven.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
We bake the chilled dough balls for 10-12 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for uniform browning, until the edges are golden and the centers are just set—watch for that irresistible aroma of melting chocolate that signals perfection.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, as this allows the Hershey’s Cookies N’ Cream pieces to cool slightly and maintain their creamy surprise.
Cool and Store
Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely for about 15-20 minutes, which helps preserve their crisp exterior and soft interior for the best taste and texture.
To keep your cookies fresh, we store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy their decadent flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare the dough or even bake the cookies in advance to ensure fresh treats are always ready. This approach not only saves time but also enhances flavors as the ingredients meld together. Below, we outline step-by-step methods for making ahead, so you can enjoy these indulgent cookies without last-minute hassle.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
To get a head start, we suggest making the cookie dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerating it. This chilling period improves texture and prevents spreading during baking:
- Step 1: After mixing the dough as per our instructions, shape it into balls as directed.
- Step 2: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Step 3: Cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the balls to an airtight container.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for up to 48 hours. This rest allows the Hershey’s Cookies N Cream pieces to infuse the dough with even more creamy sweetness.
When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, and proceed with baking at 375°F (190°C) as outlined.
Freezing the Dough or Baked Cookies
For longer storage, freezing is our go-to method—it keeps the cookies’ crunchy exterior and gooey center intact for weeks. Here’s how we do it:
- For unbaked dough: Form the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For baked cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months.
| Item to Freeze | Maximum Storage Time | Thawing/Baking Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Unbaked dough balls | 3 months | Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. |
| Baked cookies | 2 months | Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure your Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies remain a crowd-pleaser, delivering that perfect balance of chocolatey crunch and sweet surprise whenever you need them.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Hershey’s Cookies N Cream cookie recipe and know it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s a simple way to create treats that bring smiles and satisfy cravings with every bite.
Remember, baking these lets us experiment and enjoy quality time with family. Give it a try and discover the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness that keeps us coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies?
Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies are a fun twist on the classic candy, combining crunchy cookies with sweet surprises from Hershey’s bars. This recipe offers simple steps to create indulgent treats perfect for family gatherings or parties, blending high-quality ingredients for the ideal texture and flavor.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated and brown sugars, large eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and Hershey’s Cookies N Cream candy bars. For extra crunch, add crushed Oreo cookies. These components ensure a perfect balance of chewy texture and sweet taste.
What equipment is required to make these cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric or stand mixer, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, a spatula or cookie scoop, an oven thermometer, and a cooling rack. Using the right equipment helps achieve precise preparation and excellent results.
How do I prepare Hershey’s Cookies N Cream Cookies?
Start by creaming butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt, and fold in the candy bars. Shape dough into balls, chill, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden. Cool on a rack for the best texture.
How should I store the cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months; thaw at room temperature. This maintains their crunchy texture and delicious flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it to enhance flavor and texture. You can also freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for several weeks. This makes the recipe flexible for busy schedules, ensuring fresh treats when needed.