Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the Potato Chip Cookies Recipe—a sweet and salty treat that’s utterly irresistible! These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth buttery with an unexpected crunch from crushed potato chips, and just a hint of salt that makes every bite a total delight. If you’ve never tried cookies made with potato chips before, you’re in for a fun surprise. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or sneaking a few for yourself with an afternoon coffee, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Potato Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special—texture, flavor, or that perfect golden color. Grab these pantry staples and discover just how each one transforms the cookie experience!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate crispness on the edges.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing just enough structure without weighing the cookies down.
- Crushed plain potato chips (1 ½ cups): The star of the show—brings surprise salty crunch and makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup, optional): For extra crunch and a subtle nuttiness, but you can leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate finish and a touch of extra sweetness—totally optional, but so pretty!
How to Make Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze—always a win in my book!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You’re aiming for a light, fluffy mixture—this step is key for that delicate, tender bite you want in every Potato Chip Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Pour in the vanilla extract and mix just until it’s incorporated. That little bit of vanilla makes the cookie dough smell heavenly and adds a wonderful depth to the finished cookie.
Step 4: Mix in Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just enough for everything to come together smoothly.
Step 5: Fold in Potato Chips and Pecans
Gently fold in the crushed potato chips and chopped pecans (if using). You want to keep those potato chip pieces mostly intact for the best texture—mix gently!
Step 6: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon—this helps them bake up evenly and gives them their classic shape.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like, dust with powdered sugar for a little extra sparkle before serving.
How to Serve Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, sift a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies—this makes them look like bakery treats and adds a hint of sweetness. You can also top each cookie with a tiny extra sprinkle of crushed potato chips for a fun, salty touch that highlights their unique ingredient.
Side Dishes
Potato Chip Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. If you’re putting together a dessert platter, serve them alongside fresh berries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or other classic cookies for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies are perfect for gifting! Stack them in a decorative tin lined with parchment, or slip a few into clear treat bags tied with a ribbon. For parties, pile them onto a cake stand or rustic board, and watch them disappear—they’re a conversation starter and a nostalgic treat all in one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Potato Chip Cookies Recipe fresh by storing cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, though chances are they’ll vanish much sooner!
Freezing
You can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. To freeze dough, shape it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag—bake from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, just pop a couple in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll be soft, fragrant, and almost as good as freshly baked. No need to reheat if you prefer them at room temp—the texture is wonderful either way!
FAQs
Can I use flavored potato chips in this recipe?
It’s best to stick with plain, salted potato chips for the Potato Chip Cookies Recipe. Flavored chips can overpower the sweet, buttery cookie and throw off the delicate balance of flavors.
Are the pecans necessary?
Nope! The chopped pecans add extra crunch and nuttiness, but you can absolutely leave them out for a nut-free version. The cookies will still have that fabulous potato chip crunch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for easier scooping and shaping before baking.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
This Potato Chip Cookies Recipe creates a delicate, buttery cookie that’s meant to be a little crumbly. Be gentle when transferring them to a wire rack, and let them cool a bit before handling for best results.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the sweet and salty combo, and they’ll have fun helping to crush the potato chips and scoop the dough. Just supervise the baking and handling, as the cookies are fragile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something different and delicious, give the Potato Chip Cookies Recipe a try. It’s the perfect way to surprise your friends and family with a treat that’s both comforting and full of character. Grab your favorite bag of chips and get baking—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these cookies disappear!
Print
Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Potato Chip Cookies combine the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a delightful crunch from crushed plain potato chips and optional pecans. Soft, buttery, and lightly golden, these vintage-style cookies are easy to make and offer a unique twist on traditional butter cookies, ideal for dessert or snack time.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups crushed plain potato chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Vanilla and Flour: Mix in the vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing carefully until a soft dough forms without overworking.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold the crushed plain potato chips and chopped pecans (if using) into the dough to evenly distribute the salty crunch and nutty flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating the cookies are done but still tender inside.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use plain, salted potato chips (not flavored) for the best sweet-and-salty balance in these cookies.
- The pecans add crunch and nuttiness but can be omitted to make a nut-free version.
- These cookies are delicate—handle them gently when transferring from the baking sheet to avoid breaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
