Embrace the Holidays with Potato Chip Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the scent of freshly baked cookies, and kitchens come alive with the warmth of family traditions. This year, I’m excited to share a delightful retro-inspired treat that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a unique twist to your holiday dessert table: Potato Chip Cookies. With just five simple ingredients, these cookies are the epitome of fuss-free baking, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Imagine biting into a cookie that boasts a buttery texture, a hint of saltiness from the potato chips, and a soft interior with a slightly crisp exterior. The combination of sweet and salty flavors creates a uniquely balanced and delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk, pairing them with hot chocolate, or gifting them as part of a holiday cookie box, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Vintage recipes often tell a story of resourcefulness, and this one is no exception. The origins of Potato Chip Cookies can be traced back to a time when home bakers sought to utilize kitchen staples in creative ways. This recipe starts with a classic cookie dough base made from salted butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. The twist? Lightly crushed potato chips! This unexpected ingredient adds a flaky, layered texture and a subtle saltiness that perfectly complements the buttery sweetness.
These cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, served at holiday gatherings, or even packaged as gifts for friends and family. While they are delightful on their own, there’s also plenty of room for customization—think chocolate drizzle, colorful sprinkles, or an extra sprinkle of salt for those who crave a more pronounced flavor.
The Best Chips for Potato Chip Cookies
When it comes to choosing the right potato chips for this recipe, I highly recommend Ruffles Original potato chips. Their ridged texture and ample saltiness add the perfect crunch to the cookies. If Ruffles aren’t available, salted kettle chips can also work well. However, be cautious with thinner chips like Lay’s, as they may not deliver the same satisfying crunch or texture.
Tips for Perfect Potato Chip Cookies
- Don’t Over-Crush the Chips: Break the potato chips into about 1-inch pieces. Over-crushing them can alter the texture of the cookies, so aim for just enough to retain their flakiness.
- Parchment Paper is Essential: The cookie dough contains plenty of butter, which melts during baking. To maintain the cookies' shape and prevent them from spreading too much, use parchment paper to line your baking sheets.
- Enhance with Extra Salt: For those who love a stronger salty-sweet contrast, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the dough or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Experiment with Chocolate Additions: Chocolate lovers can elevate the cookies by adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or dipping the edges for an indulgent presentation.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (8 oz) salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (236g) all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups (90g) lightly crushed potato chips (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Method
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F with racks positioned in the top third and the middle. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: Use a stand mixer (or hand mixer) to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Mix in the vanilla extract. Then, add the flour on medium-low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Fold in most of the crushed potato chips, reserving a small amount for topping. Chill the dough for 10 minutes.
- Portion and assemble: Use a medium cookie scoop (approx. 2 tablespoons) to scoop the dough onto the parchment-lined sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press the reserved crushed chips onto the tops with your hands.
- Bake: Bake for 15–17 minutes until the bottom edges turn light golden brown. Rotate and swap the sheets halfway through baking. Once done, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Optionally, dust the tops with powdered sugar.
- Storage: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Potato chip cookies are a game-changing take on the classic cookie. Thanks to the simplicity of the ingredients, they’re easy and quick to make—a total time commitment of only 45 minutes. The sweet-and-salty flavor combination is guaranteed to make these cookies a hit at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, buttery richness, and a hint of nostalgia that will transport you back to simpler times.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 198
- Total Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 108mg
(Note: Nutritional estimates may vary.)
Customize Your Cookies
Feel free to get creative with your Potato Chip Cookies! Here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle or Dip: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies or dip them halfway for extra indulgence.
- Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles before baking to make them even more holiday-ready.
- Extra Salt: For those who enjoy a pronounced saltiness, finish the cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt after baking.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Holiday Treat
Whether you’re a fan of retro recipes or simply looking for a unique twist on holiday cookies, Potato Chip Cookies are an easy, crowd-pleasing treat to try this Christmas! Follow the tips and tricks above to make this recipe your own, and enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy, buttery, and salty textures with every bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the holiday baking begin!
