Choconut Chippers: The Ultimate Recipe for Incredibly Moist Double Chocolate Cookies

Step back in time to the delightful world of classic American baking with a recipe that truly stands the test of time: Choconut Chippers. These aren’t just any double chocolate cookies; they’re a legendary creation from the 1986 Pillsbury Bake-Off, celebrated for their extraordinary moisture and rich flavor profile. If you’re a connoisseur of soft, chewy cookies that practically melt in your mouth, and you appreciate the delightful crunch of nuts combined with generous chocolate goodness, then prepare to fall in love with this timeless treat. What makes them so incredibly special? It’s a secret trio of ingredients – pudding mix, sour cream, and vegetable oil – that work in harmony to deliver a cookie experience unlike any other.

What Makes Choconut Chippers Uniquely Irresistible?

The magic of Choconut Chippers lies in their innovative use of ingredients, which were quite revolutionary for a cookie recipe back in 1986, and remain equally effective today. Unlike many cookie recipes that rely solely on butter, these delightful treats incorporate vegetable oil for a consistently moist crumb. But the real game-changers are the additions of instant chocolate pudding mix and sour cream. The pudding mix contributes an incredible depth of chocolate flavor and helps achieve that characteristic softness, while the sour cream adds tenderness and a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness. This combination ensures a cookie that stays soft and fresh for days, truly a marvel in the world of baked goods.

Beyond the moistness, these cookies are a symphony of textures and flavors. Rolled oats add a delightful chew, while an abundance of toasted nuts (pecans are my personal favorite, as used in this recipe) provides a satisfying crunch and earthy counterpoint to the sweetness. And, of course, no double chocolate cookie would be complete without a generous helping of high-quality chocolate chips. The original recipe is a testament to simple perfection, and I’ve found that sticking to its core principles yields the most authentic and delicious results. My only “tweaks” have been to opt for bittersweet chocolate chips for a more complex flavor profile and toasting the nuts to enhance their aroma and taste – small steps that elevate an already fantastic cookie.

The Recipe: Choconut Chippers from 1986

This recipe is a treasured classic, originally crafted by Deb Anderson and a winner in the prestigious 1986 Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. It has graced countless kitchens and delighted generations of cookie lovers. Below, you’ll find the exact proportions and steps to recreate this iconic cookie in your own home.

Choconut Chippers Recipe

Adapted from a 1986 Bake-Off winning recipe by Deb Anderson

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large egg whites (or 1 whole large egg for a slightly richer cookie)
• 5 oz package HEAT & SERVE type chocolate pudding mix (instant, not cook-and-serve)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
• 2 cups toasted nuts, chopped (pecans are highly recommended, but walnuts also work wonderfully)
• 2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (or semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a mix of your favorites)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several cookie sheets with non-stick foil or parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. If you plan to toast your nuts, do this now by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg whites (or whole egg), chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The pudding mix will dissolve, contributing to the batter’s rich color and texture.
3. Introduce Leavening & Seasoning: Stir in the baking soda and salt. Continue to beat the mixture for about 10 seconds. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which is key for proper cookie rise and texture.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir on low speed or by hand until the flour is just absorbed. Be careful not to overmix, as overdeveloping the gluten can lead to tough cookies.
5. Fold in the Goodies: Gently stir in the rolled oats, chopped toasted nuts, and chocolate chips. Mix just until these delicious additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want to see them generously spread, ensuring every cookie has a bite of everything.
6. Scoop and Bake: Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto your prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still appear soft and slightly underdone in the center. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
8. Cooling Process: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 2 minutes. This initial cooling period allows them to set up and become firm enough to handle without breaking.
9. Final Cooling: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. As they cool, you’ll notice they firm up a bit more, achieving that perfect balance of a tender interior and a slightly crisp edge.

Important Notes & Tips:

• Chilling the Dough: If your cookie dough seems exceptionally soft or you live in a very warm climate, chilling it for about an hour before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. I personally found this wasn’t necessary, but it’s a useful trick to have in your baking arsenal.
• Yield: This generous recipe makes about 72 cookies, making it perfect for sharing, parties, or stocking up your cookie jar!
• Nut Varieties: While pecans are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts, macadamia nuts, or even a mix for a varied flavor. Always toast them for the best flavor!
• Chocolate Choices: Don’t limit yourself to bittersweet! Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips (for a different twist) can be used. A mix of different chocolate types adds depth.
• Pudding Type is Key: Ensure you use an instant “HEAT & SERVE” chocolate pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety. The instant type dissolves beautifully into the dough and is crucial for the texture.
• Storage: Store Choconut Chippers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Their unique ingredients help them retain their moisture and freshness wonderfully.
• Freezing Options: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature. For convenience, you can also scoop and freeze the raw dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a lined sheet and add a minute or two to the baking time.

Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try

The allure of Choconut Chippers goes beyond their historical significance. They represent a baking philosophy where simple, often overlooked ingredients can transform a standard recipe into something extraordinary. The combination of the rich chocolate pudding, the tenderizing sour cream, and the moistness-lending oil creates a cookie that is profoundly satisfying – not too sweet, perfectly chewy, and bursting with flavor from the toasted nuts and melty chocolate chips. These cookies are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a comforting treat on a rainy afternoon, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck, or a thoughtful homemade gift.

While my personal preference sometimes leans towards pure, unadulterated chocolate without the “distraction” of nuts, even I found myself reaching for these Choconut Chippers again and again. Their unique texture and balanced flavor profile make them incredibly addictive. For true nut lovers, these cookies will undoubtedly become a fast favorite, earning enthusiastic approval with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to bake a batch of these iconic Choconut Chippers. You’ll be rewarded with a truly exceptional cookie that will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.