Milky Way Cookies
Indulging in a cookie that combines the rich, creamy taste of Milky Way candy bars with the classic softness of a homemade cookie is a true delight. These Milky Way Cookies are not only incredibly easy to make but also perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With gooey caramel and chocolate chunks in every bite, they transform a simple cookie recipe into a decadent treat that everyone will love. So, let’s dive into how you can create these irresistible cookies right in your own kitchen!
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets these Milky Way Cookies apart from traditional cookies is the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The frozen Milky Way pieces melt beautifully during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate and caramel that add an exciting twist. Coupled with the rich, buttery base and hints of brown sugar, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat after dinner.
Ingredient Breakdown
To make these scrumptious Milky Way Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and helps create a soft texture.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and provides a deep caramel flavor.
- ½ cup sugar: Balances the richness of the brown sugar.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 ¾ cups flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
- 10.65 ounces Milky Way Candy Bars, cut into 5 slices and frozen: Creates gooey pockets of chocolate and caramel.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowl: For creaming the butter and sugars together.
- Electric mixer: Makes the mixing process easier and faster.
- Baking sheet: To place the cookies on while baking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Spatula: For mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Milky Way Cookies, Made Easy
Creating these delicious Milky Way Cookies is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of room temperature butter, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and ½ cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Milky Way Pieces
Gently fold in the frozen, sliced Milky Way candy bars, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Milky Way Cookies while they’re still warm for an extra treat!
Warm & Cool Weather Spins
No matter the season, these Milky Way Cookies can be adapted to fit your mood:
- Warm Weather: If you want a lighter twist, consider using less sugar and adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking.
- Cool Weather: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm flavor that complements the chocolate and caramel.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for these Milky Way Cookies came from the classic love of candy bars and cookies. Combining the two creates a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood. The chewy nature of the Milky Way bars complements the soft cookie dough, making each bite a delightful experience. These cookies are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Milky Way Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying.
Your Top Questions
Can I use other candy bars instead of Milky Way?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite candy bars like Snickers, Twix, or even Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a unique twist.
What if I don’t have dark brown sugar?
You can use light brown sugar or a combination of white sugar and molasses as a substitute. This will slightly alter the flavor but still yield delicious results.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to ensure the right texture in your Milky Way Cookies.
Serve with These
To enhance your cookie experience, consider pairing with:
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: A seasonal favorite that pairs beautifully with Milky Way Cookies.
- Dulce De Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Rich and decadent, these bars are a fantastic addition to any dessert spread.
Make It Tonight
Why wait? Grab your ingredients and start baking these Milky Way Cookies tonight! You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together and how satisfying they are to enjoy fresh from the oven. Each cookie is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a delightful treat for any time of day.
Baking these cookies will not only fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma but will also create moments of joy and indulgence for you and your loved ones. Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!
Milky Way Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of room temperature butter, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and ½ cup of sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the frozen, sliced Milky Way candy bars until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freeze cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months; thaw before enjoying.
