Irresistibly Chewy Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies: A Pillsbury Bake-Off Favorite Reimagined
For over a decade, this delightful cookie recipe has been a personal favorite and a topic of lively discussion among baking enthusiasts. When I first shared it years ago, I was genuinely surprised by some of the feedback, particularly the critical comments regarding the perceived “convenience” of its ingredients. It seems the inclusion of everyday products like packets of instant hot cocoa mix in the dough raised a few eyebrows. However, I’ve always maintained that these seemingly unconventional additions are precisely what elevate these Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies from good to truly exceptional. They contribute to a wonderfully unique texture and a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve otherwise. These aren’t just any cookies; they boast a perfect balance of crisp edges and a delightfully chewy center, consistently exceeding all expectations. Let’s delve into what makes these Pillsbury Bake-Off inspired cookies a perennial hit and a must-try for any chocolate lover.
Revisiting the Iconic Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies Recipe and the Pillsbury Bake-Off Legacy
The journey to discovering these remarkable cookies began through a friend’s experience at the renowned Pillsbury Bake-Off. My friend Amy, along with a select group of other food bloggers, had the privilege of attending this prestigious culinary event. They returned with exciting stories and invaluable insights, largely positive, though with some observations about the evolving nature of contest recipes. A common point of discussion was the decreasing number of “from-scratch” entries, with many recipes leveraging convenience products – a trend that sparked much debate in the baking community.
This observation is a valid reflection of how the culinary landscape continually shifts with the times. While the allure of pure scratch baking remains strong, the Pillsbury Bake-Off has historically served as a fascinating barometer of American home cooking, celebrating both innovation and accessibility. It champions creative uses of everyday products that empower busy home bakers to achieve impressive results without sacrificing flavor or quality. The beauty of the contest often lies in finding ingenious ways to simplify baking while still delivering exceptional taste.
During the 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off, Amy meticulously observed the finalists, noting that only a handful truly relied on flour as a primary ingredient in the most traditional sense. Among her top three favorites were a decadent peanut butter cupcake that was rich and satisfying, a robust, brownie-like chocolate scone, and a particular chocolate cookie that stood out due to its truly unique blend of ingredients. This last one, Denise H.’s “Deluxe Triple-Chocolate Cookies,” immediately captured my attention. The sheer intrigue of its components was enough to compel me to try them, and as this very post attests, I’m incredibly glad I did! This recipe perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Bake-Off – an inventive approach to familiar ingredients that yields extraordinary results.
A Comprehensive Review: The Unforgettable Flavor and Texture of These Pillsbury Cookies
When I first embarked on baking Denise H.’s Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies, my primary concern revolved around a particular ingredient: Nutella. I’ve incorporated hazelnut spread into various desserts over the years, often with inconsistent results. Sometimes its distinctive flavor shines through beautifully, while other times it becomes almost imperceptible, lost among other dominant notes. In this particular recipe, I confess that the rich Nutella flavor wasn’t distinctly prominent. It seemed to meld seamlessly into a grand symphony of other chocolate and nutty flavors, creating a harmonious blend rather than standing out solo. However, this is far from a drawback. Instead, I firmly believe that the Nutella plays a crucial, albeit subtle, role in developing the cookies’ exceptional texture. It contributes significantly to their slightly crisp exterior and, most notably, their wonderfully chewy interior, a characteristic that truly sets these cookies apart from standard chocolate chip varieties.
The magic of these triple chocolate cookies lies in this delightful textural contrast – a delicate crispness on the outside giving way to a soft, yielding chewiness within. Achieving this perfect balance is absolutely key, and it largely depends on precise baking times. Baking them just a minute or two longer can easily transform them into an overly crisp cookie, causing them to lose that coveted chewy quality. It’s a fine line, but one well worth mastering for the ultimate cookie experience. The overall flavor profile, while not overtly Nutella-centric, is an intricate tapestry of deep milk chocolate richness, subtle roasted peanut butter undertones, and a profound cocoa warmth that builds with each bite. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting combination that appeals to a wide range of palates, making these Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies truly memorable.
The Unconventional Secret Ingredient: Unlocking Unparalleled Chewy Texture with Instant Hot Cocoa Mix
Perhaps the most intriguing and initially surprising ingredient in this Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookie recipe is the instant hot cocoa mix. Specifically, the original Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe called for Hershey’s Good Night brand, which, while no longer readily available, has an excellent substitute in Swiss Miss or similar milk chocolate instant cocoa mixes. At first glance, using a drink mix might seem like an odd addition to cookie dough, far from a traditional baking ingredient. However, this is precisely where the genius of Denise H.’s recipe truly shines. These instant cocoa mixes are not merely for an additional layer of chocolate flavor; they contain components like dried milk, non-dairy creamer, and corn syrup solids, which are powerful secret weapons for texture enhancement in baked goods.
Let’s break down the subtle but significant science behind these everyday ingredients:
- Dried Milk: The dried milk solids naturally present in instant cocoa mixes contribute significantly to a tender crumb and a richer, more nuanced flavor in cookies. Beyond taste, they also act as excellent moisture absorbers, which is crucial for achieving that highly desirable chewy texture without inadvertently making the cookies dry or crumbly. This fine balance of moisture creates a soft interior.
- Non-Dairy Creamer: Often found in these convenient mixes, non-dairy creamers are more than just a coffee additive. They contain various fats and emulsifiers. When incorporated into cookie dough, these ingredients can lead to a softer, more uniform texture and contribute to a pleasant, almost melt-in-your-mouth experience, effectively mimicking and even enhancing the richness and smoothness of traditional dairy fats in baking.
- Corn Syrup Solids: This is arguably the most impactful ingredient for achieving that signature chewiness. Corn syrup is a well-known humectant, meaning it possesses the unique ability to attract and retain moisture. When present in solid form within the hot cocoa mix, it helps to keep the cookies exceptionally moist and pliable even after they’ve been baked and cooled, preventing them from becoming brittle or overly hard. This particular characteristic is one of the most significant contributors to the incredible, long-lasting chewiness of these Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies.
The innovative combination of these elements within the hot cocoa mix creates a distinct advantage in cookie baking, yielding a finished product that is remarkably soft, wonderfully moist, and delightfully chewy – qualities often difficult to achieve with traditional cocoa powder alone. This clever, innovative use of a common convenience product completely transforms the cookie’s structural integrity and enriches its flavor profile, truly making it stand out from typical chocolate cookie recipes. While the Nutella’s flavor might offer a subtle background note, and the peanut butter adds a grounding nutty depth, the instant hot cocoa mix is undoubtedly the unsung hero, providing both a milky chocolate foundation and an unparalleled, irresistible chewy texture.
As I mentioned, the specific Hershey’s Good Night brand might be discontinued, but any good quality milk chocolate instant hot cocoa mix (like Swiss Miss, Nestle, or store-brand equivalents) should work beautifully. The key is to ensure it is the *instant* kind, as the added ingredients are crucial for achieving the desired texture. Do not substitute with plain cocoa powder, as it will not yield the same magical results; the unique properties of the mix are essential to this cookie’s success.
A Symphony of Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Creamy Peanut Butter, and Beyond
Despite my initial concern about the Nutella’s distinct flavor potentially being lost, the overall taste profile of these Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s not a singular, overpowering flavor, but rather a complex, multi-layered “bouquet” where each component plays a harmonious and indispensable role. The dominant notes are undoubtedly those of rich, creamy milk chocolate, derived from both the instant hot cocoa mix and the generous helping of high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips generously stirred into the dough. This luxurious chocolate base is beautifully complemented by the creamy, savory depth of peanut butter, which effectively grounds the sweetness and adds a comforting, familiar taste that pairs exquisitely with chocolate.
The subtle hint of hazelnut from the Nutella then gracefully weaves through these primary flavors, adding yet another layer of complexity and sophistication to the overall chocolate experience. The combination creates a taste that is both wonderfully sophisticated and deeply satisfying, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected ingredient pairings lead to the most memorable and beloved results. The ultimate testament to their deliciousness came when my husband took a batch to his workplace. The cookies were an instant sensation, disappearing rapidly and eliciting rave reviews from everyone who tried them. This widespread approval from a diverse group of tasters solidified my belief that these are truly extraordinary cookies, quickly dispelling any initial skepticism about their unique ingredient list. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect treat for any occasion.
Tips for Baking Perfect Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies Every Time
To ensure your Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies turn out as perfectly as Denise H. intended and deliver that irresistible chewy texture, here are a few expert baking tips to guide you:
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with butter and eggs that have come to room temperature. This allows the butter to cream together more effectively with the sugars, creating a lighter, fluffier, and more aerated base for your cookie dough, which is essential for a tender crumb.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a precise science. Whenever possible, use a kitchen scale for measuring flour and sugars (especially since gram measurements are provided in the recipe) for the most consistent and accurate results. For other ingredients, use proper dry and liquid measuring cups and spoons.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients (flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and cocoa mix), mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which will lead to tougher, denser cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Crucial: Do Not Overbake: This is perhaps the most critical tip for achieving that perfect chewiness. Bake the cookies until the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft and slightly underbaked. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool on the hot cookie sheet, preserving their moist and chewy interior.
- Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan but also ensures more even heat distribution and easier cleanup, making your baking experience much smoother.
- Proper Cooling Process: After removing the cookie sheets from the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a full 3 to 5 minutes before attempting to transfer them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps them firm up sufficiently to prevent them from breaking apart as you move them.
Why These Cookies Deserve a Cherished Spot in Your Recipe Box
In a culinary world saturated with countless cookie recipes, Denise H.’s Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies truly stand out for several compelling reasons. They ingeniously combine classic, comforting flavors with a clever, unconventional secret ingredient – the instant hot cocoa mix – to achieve a truly superior texture that is both crisp at the edges and wonderfully chewy throughout. They embody the innovative spirit of the Pillsbury Bake-Off – accessible to home bakers, yet utterly delicious and unexpectedly sophisticated.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a fresh, intriguing challenge or a beginner eager to impress friends and family with a remarkably easy yet spectacular treat, this recipe offers a rewarding experience with incredibly satisfying results. Don’t let the initial thought of “convenience products” deter you; in this particular case, they are the very secret to an undeniable success that will have everyone asking for more. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a conversation starter, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a delicious testament to creative baking that transcends traditional boundaries. The delightful chewiness, combined with the rich, multi-layered chocolate and peanut butter flavors, makes them truly irresistible. Give them a try, and you might just discover your new favorite go-to cookie recipe!
- Deluxe 8 Inch Pan Brownies
- Deluxe Chocolate Chip Pudding Mix Cookies
- Blueberry Muffin Squares
- Cherry Cheesecake Pie
- White Chip Raspberry Bars
Recipe: Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies
Deluxe Triple Chocolate Cookies
Anna
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
12 minutes
22 minutes
Dessert
American
32
Ingredients
-
1
cup
unsalted or salted butter, softened
(230 grams) -
¾
cup
packed brown sugar
(150 grams) -
¾
cup
granulated sugar
(150 grams) -
2
large
eggs -
1
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract -
½
cup
hazelnut spread with cocoa (Nutella) -
½
cup
peanut butter (like Jif) -
5
oz
milk chocolate hot cocoa mix (four 1.25-oz envelopes) or 1 cup milk chocolate instant hot cocoa mix (dry) -
2
cups
all-purpose flour, bleached PB Best
(270 grams) -
1
cup
old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats -
1
teaspoon
salt -
1
teaspoon
baking soda -
1
bag
12 oz semisweet chocolate baking chips (2 cups)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
-
Beat butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in eggs and vanilla, then reduce heat to low and beat in hazelnut spread, peanut butter and cocoa mix.
-
Stir in flour, oats, salt and baking soda until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
-
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto cookie sheets and bake 9 to 12 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Store tightly covered.
Triple Chocolate, Pillsbury Bake-off, Chewy Cookies, Nutella, Peanut Butter, Hot Cocoa Mix
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!