Irresistible Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy & Crispy Recipe
A delicious journey into the world of creative baking began years ago when a brilliant friend introduced me to a culinary secret: incorporating broken packaged cookies into homemade baked goods. It was a revelation! Soon after, our kitchen became a delightful experimental zone where broken Oreos found their way into almost everything. From rich, fudgy brownies to decadent homemade candies, the distinct flavor and satisfying crunch of Oreos elevated every treat we made. And now, I’m thrilled to share one of our absolute favorite creations: these incredible Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What makes these cookies truly special isn’t just the generous inclusion of crushed or mini Oreo pieces; it’s the meticulously crafted cookie dough itself. Designed with proportionally less fat compared to many standard chocolate chip cookie recipes, this dough bakes up into a remarkably sturdy cookie that boasts perfectly crispy edges and a wonderfully tender, chewy center. It’s the ideal canvas for a medley of chocolatey additions, ensuring each bite is packed with both classic chocolate chip goodness and the irresistible crunch of broken Oreos. This unique texture profile makes them stand out, offering a satisfying bite that’s neither too soft nor overly crunchy, hitting that perfect balance every time.
Elevating Your Cookies with M&Ms: A Festive Twist
While the classic Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookie is a masterpiece on its own, its versatility allows for exciting variations. Inspired by the idea that this robust dough would also pair beautifully with other candy additions, I once developed a particularly spooky Halloween version using festive Halloween-colored M&M’s. The addition of M&M’s brings a delightful burst of color and an extra layer of chocolatey sweetness, along with their signature candy shell crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the chewy cookie and Oreo chunks.
Update: Over the years, these cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire. While the M&M’s offer a fun, seasonal twist, I often prepare them without for a more traditional, yet equally indulgent, experience. Whether you opt for the colorful M&M’s or stick to just chocolate chips and Oreos, the results are consistently delicious. Below, you’ll find a more recent photograph of these beloved Oreo chunk cookies, showcasing their golden-brown perfection and tempting texture.
Why This Cookie Dough is a Game Changer
The secret to these cookies’ success lies in their precisely balanced dough. By reducing the fat content slightly, we achieve a cookie that maintains its shape beautifully during baking, preventing excessive spreading. This ensures those desirable crispy edges while preserving a soft, tender interior. The careful combination of baking soda, baking powder, and crucially, cream of tartar, plays a significant role in achieving this unique texture. Cream of tartar acts as an acid, stabilizing egg whites and preventing sugar crystallization, which contributes to the cookies’ chewiness and helps them bake up with a delightful tang and a slightly lighter crumb. This thoughtful composition makes it ideal for holding generous chunks of Oreos and chocolate without becoming greasy or crumbly.
Moreover, the blend of both granulated and brown sugar is key. Granulated sugar provides crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the rich chocolate and creamy Oreo filling perfectly. This balance ensures a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Don’t underestimate the power of a pinch of extra salt either; it enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the depth of the chocolate and balancing the sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies Every Time
Achieving cookie perfection is easier than you think with a few essential tips:
- Evenly Mixed Dry Ingredients: The initial step of thoroughly whisking your flour, leavening agents, and salt for at least 60 seconds is critical. This ensures that the baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar are evenly distributed, leading to uniform rising and texture in every cookie. Don’t rush this step!
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: Be patient when creaming the softened butter with both sugars. Four minutes might seem long, but it’s essential for incorporating air, which results in a lighter, fluffier dough. This aeration contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is fully combined.
- Gentle Mixing of Flour: Overmixing the flour can lead to tough cookies due to gluten development. Once the egg is incorporated, add the flour mixture gradually and mix on the lowest speed or by hand, using quick pulses if using a stand mixer. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is just combined. A combination of machine and hand mixing works best here to avoid overworking the dough.
- Don’t Skimp on the Chilling: While these cookies can be baked immediately, chilling the dough is highly recommended. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, the butter to firm up, and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This results in thicker, chewier cookies with a more pronounced flavor. Even 30 minutes can make a difference, but a few hours or overnight is ideal.
- Oven Temperature Matters: Baking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) helps achieve those coveted crispy edges and soft centers. The cream of tartar slightly impedes browning, so don’t be afraid of the higher temperature; it helps the cookies set quickly without over-browning. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Choosing Your Oreos: While “broken Oreos” work perfectly, you can also use mini Oreos for a consistent chunk size, or roughly chop whole Oreos into desired pieces. The goal is to have distinct chunks that provide textural contrast and a burst of Oreo flavor in every bite.
These cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience, combining the nostalgic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the playful crunch of America’s favorite cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or simply to satisfy a craving, these Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Looking for more delicious ways to use Oreos? Try these Chocolate Chip Oreo Brownie Bars.
- For a unique twist, don’t miss our Chocolate Banana Oreo Brownies.
- Indulge in a rich and creamy Oreo Cheesecake.
- Cool down with an amazing Oreo Ice Cream Cake.
- Explore a zesty dessert with our Lemon Oreo Cookies and Cream Pie.
Ready to bake? Below is the full recipe for these extraordinary M&M Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies. Follow these steps, and prepare to enjoy a cookie that combines crispy edges, a tender chew, and an abundance of chocolate and Oreo goodness in every single bite. Don’t forget to gather your ingredients and get ready for some serious cookie madness!
Recipe
M&M Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon plus a pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 oz. unsalted butter 1 ½ sticks, softened (170 grams)
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 125 grams
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar 125 grams
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate chip and M&Ms
- Broken Oreos or Oreo MInis
Instructions
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Weigh out the flour in a large bowl. Add the baking soda, salt, baking powder and cream of tartar. Stir for at least 60 seconds to make sure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attached, beat the cold butter until soft. Add both sugars and continue to beat for 4 minutes, scraping sides of bowl, until fluffy and light. Beat in the vanilla extract.
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Stir in the egg using lowest speed (or by hand) and then increase speed and beat for 30 seconds. Scrape bowl and then gradually add flour mixture, stirring either by hand or using quick pulses of the stand mixer (I use a combination of both in order not to overbeat the dough). Add the chocolate chips and stir until blended. Dough will be very dry. I recommend dumping it out onto a pastry mat (or clean surface) and kneading gently to ensure it is thoroughly mixed.
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Shape into one big mound, then divide into 12 equal size balls (they’ll weigh a little under 3 oz each). Put the dough balls in a freezer bag and chill until ready to bake, or bake immediately.
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Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes. If your cookies are browning too quickly (and they shouldn’t) you can use 350 degrees, but since the cream of tartar impedes browning a little bit they should be fine baked at 375.
There’s truly nothing quite like a freshly baked batch of these Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies. The combination of classic chocolate chip flavor, the satisfying crunch of Oreo chunks, and that perfect chewy-crispy texture makes them an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to deliver fantastic results. Experiment with different M&M colors for holidays or special events, or simply enjoy them as they are. Share them with friends and family, or savor every bite by yourself – we won’t tell!
We absolutely love hearing from you! If you decide to bake these delicious M&M Oreo Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies, please come back and share your experience in the comments section below. Your feedback and personal twists on the recipe are always welcome and inspire us to keep creating more delightful desserts. Happy baking!