There’s nothing quite like the taste of Mama Kelce’s Cookies—soft, chewy, and packed with comforting flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, game day, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this classic cookie recipe is a must-try. Inspired by homemade traditions and heartwarming memories, these cookies bring the perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia. Follow this easy recipe to recreate the magic in your own kitchen and enjoy a treat loved by all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Chewy Texture – These cookies have the perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Rich, Buttery Flavor – Every bite is packed with a delicious blend of sweetness and comforting homemade goodness.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for family gatherings, game day, or a cozy night in, these cookies are always a hit.
Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite mix-ins to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips (or your preferred mix-ins) using a spatula.
Step 3: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the best texture, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 4: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 5: Shape & Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Best Results
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for flour to prevent adding too much, which can make cookies dry and dense.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
4. Chill the Dough for Better Texture
Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) enhances the flavor and prevents excessive spreading.
5. Use Quality Chocolate
For rich, melty bites, opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chop up a chocolate bar instead of using pre-packaged chips.
6. Bake One Sheet at a Time
For even baking, place one tray in the center of the oven at a time instead of stacking multiple trays.
7. Underbake Slightly for Soft Cookies
Take cookies out of the oven when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cool on the Baking Sheet Before Transferring
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape.
9. Store Properly for Freshness
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread inside the container to keep them soft!
10. Freeze for Later
Freeze unbaked dough balls for quick, fresh cookies anytime! Just bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Melted Butter Instead of Softened Butter
Melted butter makes the dough too runny, causing cookies to spread too much. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
2. Overmixing the Dough
Mixing too much after adding the flour develops excess gluten, making the cookies tough and dense instead of soft and chewy.
3. Skipping the Chilling Step
Chilling the dough prevents cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavor. If you skip this step, your cookies may turn out flat and greasy.
4. Not Measuring Flour Correctly
Scooping flour directly from the bag packs it too tightly, leading to dry cookies. Instead, use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale for accuracy.
5. Overcrowding the Baking Sheet
Placing cookies too close together prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven baking. Always leave 2 inches of space between dough balls.
6. Overbaking the Cookies
Cookies continue baking on the hot sheet after coming out of the oven. If you bake them until they look fully done, they’ll end up hard and dry. Remove them when the edges are golden, but the centers look slightly soft.
7. Using Expired Baking Soda
Old baking soda won’t help the cookies rise properly, making them flat and dense. Check expiration dates and replace it every 6 months for best results.
8. Not Letting Cookies Cool on the Sheet First
Moving cookies too soon can cause them to break apart. Let them rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Storing Cookies Improperly
Leaving cookies uncovered makes them stale quickly. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
10. Ignoring the Quality of Ingredients
Using low-quality chocolate or artificial vanilla can impact flavor. For the best results, use real vanilla extract and high-quality chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic with a Glass of Milk
Enjoy Mama Kelce’s Cookies the traditional way—warm and fresh out of the oven with a cold glass of milk. The creamy richness of milk perfectly balances the sweet, buttery flavor of the cookies.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Turn these cookies into a decadent dessert by making ice cream sandwiches. Simply scoop your favorite vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream between two cookies and freeze for a few minutes for the perfect treat.
3. Dipped in Chocolate
For an extra indulgent twist, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. You can even sprinkle crushed nuts, sea salt, or coconut flakes on top before the chocolate hardens.
4. Crumbled Over Yogurt or Oatmeal
For a breakfast-friendly option, crumble a cookie over a bowl of Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls for added crunch and sweetness.
5. Paired with Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Enjoy these cookies as a cozy treat alongside a cup of coffee, cappuccino, or hot chocolate. The warm, rich flavors of the drinks complement the cookies perfectly.
6. Dessert Platter for Parties
Arrange cookies on a dessert board with brownies, fruit, and caramel dip for an eye-catching party platter. These cookies pair well with fresh strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream.
7. Layered in a Cookie Trifle
Crumble cookies into layers with whipped cream and pudding for a quick and easy trifle that’s sure to impress.
8. Gift-Worthy Treats
Wrap a batch in decorative bags or boxes to give as a homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Fresh Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay fresh.
- In the Refrigerator: While not necessary, you can refrigerate cookies for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.
Freezing Cookies
- Baked Cookies: Let cookies cool completely, then place them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Cookie Dough: Scoop the dough into individual balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid (about 1 hour). Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime!
Reheating Cookies
- Microwave Method: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. This works best for room-temperature or refrigerated cookies.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place cookies on a baking sheet. Heat for 5–7 minutes until warm but not overbaked.
- Air Fryer Method: Place cookies in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes for a quick warm-up with a slightly crispy edge.
Baking Frozen Dough
- Bake frozen cookie dough balls directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C), adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time. No need to thaw!
Variations and Substitutions
1. Chocolate Chip Variations
- Swap classic semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Use a mix of chocolate chunks and chips for a richer, more indulgent texture.
- Add peanut butter chips, caramel chips, or butterscotch chips for a sweet twist.
2. Nutty Additions
- Stir in ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Try hazelnuts or macadamia nuts for a gourmet upgrade.
3. Fruity Twists
- Add ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a chewy, fruity element.
- Mix in zest of an orange or lemon for a fresh citrus flavor.
4. Flavor Boosters
- Replace vanilla extract with almond extract, coconut extract, or maple extract for a unique taste.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a perfect sweet-salty contrast.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
5. Healthier Substitutions
- Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour (use 1 ¾ cups instead of 2 ½ cups for a denser texture).
- Replace butter with coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce (for a lighter, dairy-free option).
- Use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
6. Dairy-Free & Vegan Modifications
- Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
- Replace eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully plant-based version.
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional breakdown is an estimate per one cookie (based on a batch of 24 cookies). Actual values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Estimated Nutrition Per Cookie:
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Total Fat: ~9g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~25mg
- Sodium: ~90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Sugars: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~2g
Key Nutritional Considerations:
- High in Sugar & Carbs – These cookies contain a good amount of sugar, so they are best enjoyed in moderation.
- Source of Energy – The combination of butter and sugar provides a quick energy boost, making these cookies great for a snack or treat.
- Contains Dairy & Gluten – Since this recipe uses butter, eggs, and all-purpose flour, it is not suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.
How to Make It Healthier:
- Reduce Sugar: Use ½ cup less sugar or replace some with honey or coconut sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Increase Fiber: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed.
- Lower Fat: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on saturated fat.
- Protein Boost: Mix in ½ cup of chopped nuts or use almond flour for extra protein and healthy fats.
While Mama Kelce’s Cookies are a delicious indulgence, making small tweaks can help you enjoy them in a more balanced way! 🍪😊
Related Recipes
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft & Chewy – A delicious cookie recipe with a rich, nutty flavor.
Butterscotch Pie – A Creamy Dessert Recipe – For those who love sweets, this pie is a great complement to fresh-baked cookies.
Funfetti Cupcakes – A Delightful Treat – Another fun and festive dessert perfect for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Mama Kelce’s Cookies without chilling the dough?
Yes, but chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps improve the texture and prevents cookies from spreading too much. If you’re short on time, you can bake them right away, but they may turn out thinner.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, staying soft for days. Avoid leaving them uncovered.