Million Dollar Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings smiles with every bite, then these Million Dollar Cookies are just what you need! They’re soft and chewy, bursting with flavors that blend salty and sweet in the most delightful way. Imagine biting into a warm cookie filled with chocolate, crunchy potato chips, and a hint of coconut—it’s pure bliss!

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight treat or a special dessert to share at family gatherings. Trust me, once you bake these cookies, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun combination of flavors, making them an instant hit at home.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, so you can bake whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat!
• Deliciously Unique: The mix of salty potato chips and sweet chocolate offers a taste experience that’s unlike any other cookie you’ve tried.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delightful cookies. You might already have many of these staples in your kitchen!

For the Cookie Dough

• 11 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour (see notes below for measuring)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp fine sea salt

For the Mix-ins

• 3/4 cup crushed kettle potato chips
• 1/3 cup walnut pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate bar
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut

Variations

One of the great things about Million Dollar Cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
• Go Nut-Free: Skip the nuts altogether if you want a simpler version—these cookies will still taste amazing!
• Mix Chocolate Types: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of bittersweet or semi-sweet for a sweeter twist.
• Try Other Chips: Experiment with different types of potato chips or even pretzels for an extra layer of flavor!

How to Make Million Dollar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt your unsalted butter until warm but not bubbling hot. Then pour it into a mixing bowl. Whisk it together with both sugars vigorously for about one minute. This helps create that nice chewy texture we all love in cookies!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, whisk in one large egg, an additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined. The extra yolk adds richness to our dough—making each cookie feel like a special treat.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

It’s time for the fun part! Fold in the crushed kettle potato chips, chopped chocolate, walnuts, and desiccated coconut until everything is mixed together. Letting the dough rest for about ten minutes helps it firm up nicely.

Step 6: Scoop Your Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop (about three tablespoons), scoop out portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave at least two inches between each scoop—these cookies will spread while baking!

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Pop those trays into your preheated oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while keeping an eye on that puffy center!

Step 8: Add Toppings & Cool

As soon as they come out of the oven, feel free to press in more crushed chips, chopped chocolate, walnuts, or coconut on top if you’d like. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying—though I won’t judge if you sneak one while they’re still warm!

Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Cookies

Baking million dollar cookies is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps the dough mix well and creates a softer cookie texture. Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Gently folding in the dry ingredients minimizes gluten formation, which keeps your cookies tender and chewy rather than tough.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve the texture of your cookies by allowing the fat to solidify slightly before baking.
• Check for Doneness: For perfectly baked cookies, watch them closely! Remove them from the oven when they’re just lightly golden at the edges; they’ll continue to bake on the tray while cooling.
• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your million dollar cookies by adding different nuts, dried fruits, or even swapping in white chocolate for a new flavor twist!

How to Serve Million Dollar Cookies

These million dollar cookies are not just delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun serving ideas that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an elegant touch and extra richness.
• Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweet-salty balance and brings out all those lovely flavors.
• Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top can add an irresistible crunch and beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Milk: The classic pairing! A tall glass of cold almond milk or oat milk complements these cookies nicely, balancing their sweetness.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: The refreshing acidity of a mixed fruit salad can cut through the richness of the cookies, providing a light contrast on your plate.
• Coffee or Tea: A cup of brewed herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee makes for a cozy afternoon treat alongside these delightful cookies, perfect for any gathering.

Enjoy every bite of your million dollar cookies with these serving suggestions that elevate your dessert experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Million Dollar Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade treats throughout the week! Here’s how to store and prepare them in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For the best taste, consume within 3-5 days.
• If you prefer softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label and date the container!

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Million Dollar Cookies:

Can I use margarine instead of butter in Million Dollar Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter; however, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Choose a good-quality margarine for the best results.

How do I keep my Million Dollar Cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, ensure that your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Can I add other mix-ins to my Million Dollar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Million Dollar Cookies as much as I do! They capture that perfect balance of sweet and salty while offering a delightful chewy texture. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself (I won’t judge!), these cookies are sure to bring a smile. Happy baking!