Cookies & Cream Cookies

Description:

These Cookies & Cream Cookies are a dreamy combination of soft, chewy cookie dough and chunks of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. With a creamy, rich texture and bursts of Oreo goodness in every bite, they’re the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or just a cozy night at home!

Origin:

Cookies & Cream Cookies are inspired by the iconic Cookies & Cream ice cream flavor. By incorporating crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into a buttery cookie dough, this recipe creates a nostalgic and indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and irresistible.

Ingredients (Makes 24 cookies):

• Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup (2 sticks or 230 g)
• Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150 g)
• Brown sugar (packed): ¾ cup (150 g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 ½ tsp
• All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (315 g)
• Baking soda: 1 tsp
• Salt: ½ tsp
• Chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos, crushed): 15 cookies
• White chocolate chips (optional): ½ cup (90 g)

Optional Ingredients:

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: ½ cup (90 g) for added chocolatey flavor.
• Milk powder: 1 tbsp for a creamier taste.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Fold in Cookies and Chocolate

1. Crush Cookies: Roughly crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into bite-sized pieces (not too fine).
2. Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold the crushed cookies and white chocolate chips (if using) into the dough.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

1. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
3. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Customizable Mix-Ins: Swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to suit your taste.

Recommendations:

• Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a classic combination.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls and bake as needed.
• Gifting Idea: Wrap these cookies in festive packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.

Nutrition (Per Cookie, based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g

These Cookies & Cream Cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a touch of nostalgia with every bite. They’re an easy crowd-pleaser and perfect for all occasions!