Ted’s Montana Grill’s Secret: Double Chocolate Cookie Recipe & Free Cookie Month Celebration
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from the prospect of a free treat, especially when it’s a freshly baked cookie. Imagine the excitement upon hearing that a beloved establishment like Ted’s Montana Grill is celebrating “Cookie Month” with complimentary cookies! While the initial news might cause a moment of geographical confusion – perhaps mistaking it for another favorite eatery – the ultimate discovery that Ted’s is genuinely offering this sweet deal is cause for celebration for many across the nation.
For those fortunate enough to live near one of Ted’s Montana Grill locations, August presents an irresistible opportunity. This month, Ted’s has declared it officially Cookie Month, and as a grand finale to this delightful celebration, they are generously giving away cookies on August 23rd. While you can’t simply walk in and request a plateful, a small purchase unlocks this delicious perk. This thoughtful approach encourages guests to experience the full warmth and hospitality of Ted’s Montana Grill, perhaps by pairing their free cookie with a gourmet coffee, a hearty bison burger, or one of their famous juicy steaks. It’s an invitation to sit back, relax, and savor a complete dining experience.
Experience the Taste of Ted’s: More Than Just Cookies
Ted’s Montana Grill is renowned for its commitment to classic American comfort food, exceptional hospitality, and its signature bison menu. Founded by Ted Turner, the restaurant chain offers a unique dining experience that harks back to the grand old West, emphasizing quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. From hand-crafted burgers and premium steaks to fresh seafood and hearty salads, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every palate. And of course, no meal is truly complete without a delightful dessert. The “Cookie Month” initiative beautifully highlights this dedication to guest satisfaction and sweet indulgences, making a visit even more appealing.
During this special August celebration, guests can look forward to a selection of classic cookie favorites. Ted’s offers the timeless appeal of Chocolate Chip Cookies, the warm cinnamon-sugar delight of Snickerdoodles, and the wholesome goodness of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. But the true star of the show, especially for chocolate lovers, is their new Double Chocolate Cookie. What’s even more exciting is that Ted’s Montana Grill has gone above and beyond by sharing the official recipe for this decadent new addition. This act of culinary generosity means that even if you can’t make it to a Ted’s location, or if you simply wish to recreate that delightful taste at home, you now have the key to unlocking their secret recipe. No more guessing or endless attempts to clone the perfect cookie – the authentic instructions are right here!
The Heart of the Matter: Ted’s Montana Grill Double Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Gather your baking tools, because here’s your chance to recreate the magic of Ted’s Montana Grill’s Double Chocolate Cookies right in your own kitchen. This recipe, straight from their chefs, emphasizes precision with measurements in weights, which is often a hallmark of professional baking for consistent results. For those without a kitchen scale, we’ve provided approximate volume conversions to help you along. You might also notice the interesting absence of traditional leavening agents, which suggests these cookies will have a dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey texture – truly a chocolate lover’s dream!
Ted’s Montana Grill Double Chocolate Cookies
Yield: Approximately 12 generously sized cookies (3 oz each)
Ingredients:
- 4.5 oz. (9 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened – Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt content in your recipe, ensuring a balanced flavor. Softened butter creamed properly helps create the right cookie texture.
- 20 oz. (approx. 3 ⅓ cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided – Dividing the chocolate chips allows for some to be melted into the base and others to remain as delightful chunks, adding texture and pockets of chocolatey goodness.
- 9 oz. (approx. 1 ⅓ scant cups) granulated sugar – Granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to the crispness around the edges of the cookie, while keeping the interior soft.
- 3 whole eggs – Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and richness to the cookies, helping them to hold their shape and achieve a chewy texture.
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract – A generous amount of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, adding depth and warmth to the overall profile.
- 5 oz. (approx. 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) pastry flour – Pastry flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a more tender, delicate crumb, which is perfect for soft, chewy cookies.
- ¾ tsp. iodized salt – Salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor, preventing the cookies from tasting overly sweet and flat.
Directions:
- Prepare the Chocolate Butter Base: In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water), combine the softened butter and 11 oz. of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Gently heat this mixture, stirring continuously with a rubber spatula, until it is completely smooth and fully melted. The double boiler method ensures even, gentle melting without scorching the chocolate. Once melted, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl (or directly into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture if large enough), add the granulated sugar, whole eggs, and vanilla extract. Using your rubber spatula, mix these ingredients until they are thoroughly blended and incorporated. The sugar should begin to dissolve, and the mixture will lighten slightly in color.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients and Remaining Chocolate: Add the pastry flour, iodized salt, and the remaining 9 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the melted chocolate/egg mixture. Gently mix with your spatula until just fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. Mixing until just combined ensures a tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl containing the cookie mixture and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a crucial step that allows the flavors to meld, the flour to fully hydrate, and the fats to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and resulting in a richer, chewier cookie. After 30 minutes, portion the mixture into 3 oz. (approximately 6 tablespoons) sizes. For best results, use a kitchen scale for precise portioning. Place these portions on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, cover, and refrigerate again until ready to bake. This can be done hours or even a day in advance.
- Bake to Perfection: When you’re ready to bake, pre-heat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a clean sheet tray with fresh parchment paper. Take the chilled, portioned 3 oz. cookie dough pieces and gently press each one to form a round shape, about 3½ inches in diameter and ½ inch tall. This gentle flattening ensures even baking. Arrange 4-6 cookies per pan, ensuring adequate space between them for spreading. Bake for 6 minutes, then rotate the pans (front to back, top to bottom if using multiple racks) to ensure even heat distribution. Bake for an additional 6 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly crinkled, but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Cool Completely: Remove the sheet pans from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the pans. This step is vital as the cookies continue to bake and set as they cool. Moving them too soon can cause them to break or lose their structure. Once fully cooled, they will be perfectly fudgy, chewy, and intensely flavorful.
Note on Measurements: Professional recipes often use weights for accuracy. A kitchen scale is highly recommended for best results. Volume conversions are approximate and may vary slightly based on how ingredients are packed.
Baking Success and Enjoying Your Homemade Ted’s Cookies
Following this precise recipe from Ted’s Montana Grill should yield an outstanding batch of double chocolate cookies. The careful steps, from gently melting the chocolate in a double boiler to chilling the dough, all contribute to the superior texture and flavor profile. Don’t skip the chilling step – it’s a secret weapon for preventing overly flat cookies and deepening their rich taste. The use of pastry flour also plays a significant role, ensuring a tender bite that melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the generous amount of semi-sweet chocolate.
Imagine pulling these warm, fudgy cookies from your oven, the aroma of rich chocolate filling your home. These aren’t just cookies; they’re an experience. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. And now, armed with this exclusive recipe, you have the power to replicate Ted’s Montana Grill’s famous double chocolate delight any time the craving strikes.
Don’t Miss Out on Cookie Month!
Whether you’re planning a visit to Ted’s Montana Grill to claim your free cookie on August 23rd (with a small purchase, of course!) or you’re eager to get baking in your own kitchen, this “Cookie Month” is a fantastic reason to indulge. It’s a wonderful example of a restaurant not only serving delicious food but also sharing a piece of its culinary heart with its patrons. So, mark your calendars, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy some truly exceptional cookies – either made by the experts at Ted’s or by your own skilled hands.
We encourage you to visit your nearest Ted’s Montana Grill location this August. Beyond the cookies, you’ll discover a menu full of American classics prepared with care and an atmosphere that invites you to linger. And for those days you crave that distinctive Ted’s flavor at home, this Double Chocolate Cookie recipe will be your go-to guide for a guaranteed sweet success. Happy baking, and happy Cookie Month!