Indulge in these extraordinary Milky Way Cookies, a stellar treat that combines a rich, buttery, dark brown sugar base with generous chunks of classic Milky Way candy bars. These chewy, chocolate-caramel delights are the ultimate companion to a tall, cold glass of milk, promising an out-of-this-world flavor experience with every bite.
As the festive season winds down, particularly after Halloween, many households find themselves with an abundance of leftover candy. Instead of letting those sweet treasures go to waste, transform them into something truly magical: Candy Bar Cookies. This recipe is not only a fantastic way to utilize surplus sweets but also offers the convenience of baking ahead and freezing them for future cravings. Imagine having a stash of these delightful cookies ready to warm up on a chilly evening!
Why These Milky Way Cookies Are a Must-Bake
- Smart Use of Leftover Candy: If your pantry is overflowing with Halloween candy, or your kids collected more treats than they could possibly consume, this recipe offers a delicious and practical solution. Repurpose those fun-sized Milky Ways (or other favorite candy bars!) into something new and exciting.
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: Starting with a classic chocolate chip cookie dough as a base, we elevate it by incorporating the delightful chewiness of Milky Way bars. The nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate elements of the candy bar melt into the cookie, creating pockets of gooey goodness that are simply divine. Feel free to enhance the texture and flavor further by mixing in additional chocolate chips or colorful M&Ms for a truly “loaded” cookie experience.
- Perfect for Freezing: Don’t feel pressured to finish an entire batch at once. These cookies are ideal for freezing, both baked and as dough balls. Bake a batch now to enjoy immediately, and freeze the rest for those moments in the coming months when only a homemade cookie will do. They’re a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
- A Touch of Homemade Comfort: There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of freshly baked cookies. These Milky Way Cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles, making them perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even new neighbors.
Just last week, our new neighbors, who recently moved into town, welcomed a sweet baby boy into their young family. Hearing about their kindergartner, preschooler, and a newborn, I could almost feel their exhaustion! I knew a homemade meal would be incredibly appreciated, and after settling on an entree, my mind immediately turned to dessert. What could be more comforting and delightful than a batch of homemade Milky Way Cookies? Their rich, caramel-infused sweetness felt like the perfect gesture of welcome and support during such a busy, joyful time. It’s these small acts of kindness, often expressed through food, that truly build community.
Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Milky Way Cookies
Crafting the perfect Milky Way cookie starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your cookies turn out exceptionally delicious:
- Kitchen Staples: You’ll need the foundational elements of any great cookie: granulated sugar, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal lift and texture.
- Dark Brown Sugar: This is key to the cookies’ rich, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light brown sugar, contributing to a deeper flavor profile and extra moisture. While regular (light) brown sugar can be substituted, you might notice a slight difference in both flavor depth and chewiness.
- Butter: For the best results, use unsalted butter that is at room temperature. This allows it to cream smoothly with the sugars, creating an airy base for your dough. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon.
- Eggs: Like butter, eggs should be at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more easily and evenly into the batter, leading to a more uniform cookie texture. Plan ahead and take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.
- Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial vanilla flavoring. Real vanilla provides a complex, aromatic depth that artificial versions simply cannot replicate. Brands like Nielsen-Massey are renowned for their quality, but any good-quality pure vanilla will elevate your cookies.
- Fun-Sized Milky Way Candy Bars: A 10.65-ounce package is typically sufficient. The secret to minimizing melting and leaking during baking is to cut each fun-sized bar into about 5 slices, then freeze them before adding to the dough. This helps them maintain their shape a bit better. Don’t limit yourself to just Milky Ways; fun-sized 3 Musketeers or Snickers make excellent substitutions for a different twist!
Expert Tips & Tricks for Baking Flawless Milky Way Cookies
Baking delicious cookies is an art, and these expert notes will guide you to perfection:
- Customizable Cookie Base: The beauty of a good cookie dough is its versatility. While a basic chocolate chip recipe is fantastic, it’s also a blank canvas. I love experimenting by adding dried fruits, various nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or, as in this case, chopped candy bars. Anything with caramel or toffee tends to be my absolute favorite addition, and mini Milky Ways fit the bill perfectly.
- Embrace the “Rustic” Charm: It’s natural for some of the caramel from the chopped candy to melt and leak slightly as the cookies bake. Far from being a flaw, this creates deliciously gooey, slightly misshapen cookies that I affectionately call “rustic.” These caramelized edges add to their unique appeal and incredible flavor. My friend Katie, a tough cookie critic, even declared these better than classic chocolate chip cookies!
- PRO-Tip: Freeze Your Candy Bar Chunks: To help the candy pieces hold their shape a little better during baking, slice your Milky Way bars and then freeze them for at least 30 minutes before incorporating them into the dough. This slows down the melting process in the oven.
- Uniformity is Key: For cookies that bake evenly and are perfectly golden all at once, use a cookie scoop to portion out your dough. Scooping uniform balls ensures consistent baking times, preventing some cookies from being underbaked while others are overdone.
- Load ‘Em Up: Don’t hesitate to make these cookies extra indulgent! Beyond the Milky Way chunks, consider stirring in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips or colorful M&Ms. This creates a truly “loaded” cookie with multiple textures and flavors.
- The Perfect Pairing: These rich, sensational cookies truly sing when accompanied by a big, cold glass of milk. The creamy milk cuts through the sweetness and richness of the cookie, creating a harmonious balance. If you love these, you’ll also adore our Layered Chocolate Chip Cookies and the decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie.
- Non-Stick Baking: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan, ensures even browning, and makes cleanup a breeze.
- PRO-Tip: Reshaping Warm Cookies: If your cookies come out of the oven looking a little uneven or misshapen, don’t despair! While they are still hot and pliable, use the back of a spatula (lightly coated with non-stick spray if caramel is gooey) to gently push and reshape them into perfect rounds. This trick works wonders!
- Garnish for Extra Appeal: For an irresistible presentation, reserve a few extra slices of Milky Way candy. Immediately after removing the hot cookies from the oven, carefully press one or two reserved pieces into the top of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt them, creating a beautiful, delicious garnish. Remember to be cautious as the baking sheet will be hot!
Frequently Asked Questions About Milky Way Cookies
A classic Milky Way Bar consists of three distinct layers: a soft, fluffy nougat base, topped with a luscious layer of creamy caramel, all enveloped in a smooth, rich milk chocolate coating. This combination creates the signature sweet and chewy experience that makes them so beloved in these cookies.
While the name might conjure images of the galaxy, the Milky Way candy bar was actually named for its malted milk flavor, reminiscent of a popular malted milk drink of the time. When Frank C. Mars introduced the bar in 1923, it was advertised as “a double malted milk in a candy bar,” emphasizing its unique flavor profile rather than any celestial connection.
Absolutely! Milky Way cookies are excellent for freezing, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked taste anytime. Once fully cooled, simply place the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. For an even fresher experience, you can freeze individual dough balls. Arrange them on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag, labeling with the date. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dough to keep it from drying out and ensure it remains soft and pliable.
Explore More Delicious Cookie Recipes
If you loved these Milky Way Cookies, you’re sure to find new favorites among these delightful treats:
- Layered Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic elevated with multiple layers of chocolatey goodness.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie: All the joy of a chocolate chip cookie in a delightful pie form.
- Candy Bar Cookie Bars: Another fantastic way to use up leftover candy, baked into convenient bars.
- Chewy Butterfinger Cookies: For those who love the crunchy, peanut-buttery goodness of Butterfinger bars.
- Plus, discover more irresistible Bar Cookie Recipes for every occasion!
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Milky Way Cookies Recipe
20 minutes
15 minutes
35 minutes
3 dozen (36 cookies)
A buttery cookie filled with irresistible chunks of Milky Ways. This recipe is adapted from Cookies and Cups, promising a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 10.65 ounces fun-sized Milky Way Candy Bars, each cut into 5 slices, then frozen
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars (dark brown and granulated) until the mixture is light and fluffy, and well blended.
- Beat in the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the frozen Milky Way chunks. Remember to reserve some slices to press into the tops of the cookies after they come out of the oven for a beautiful finish.
- Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully press one of the reserved pieces of Milky Way into the center of each hot cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Freezing your chopped Milky Way bars for at least 30 minutes before mixing into the dough will significantly minimize the leaking of the caramel during baking, helping the candy pieces hold their shape better within the cookie.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop
- Reynolds Cookie Baking Sheets Non-Stick Parchment Paper, 25 Sheet, 4 Count
- USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
18
Serving Size:
2 cookies
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 299Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 249mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 3g
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