
Have you ever tried adding potato chips to cookies? Sounds quirky, right? But Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute delight that brings together the perfect balance of salty crunch and sweet buttery goodness. I love this recipe because it’s a little nostalgic—potato chips in cookies remind me of cozy afternoons in Mom-Mom’s kitchen, where she’d surprise us with these irresistible treats.
This recipe works great for when you want something homemade but a bit different from your usual cookie lineup. The combination of familiar ingredients with that unexpected potato chip twist makes it worth trying—even for picky eaters. You’ll find that the crunchy bits add texture while keeping the dough soft and tender, a beautiful contrast you don’t want to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unexpected Flavor Boost: The salty crunch of potato chips adds an exciting twist to traditional cookies.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples already, making it super easy to whip up.
- Great for Sharing: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- Versatile Texture: Soft yet a little crunchy thanks to those potato chip flakes, which is a winner every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe plays its role to create that unique sweet-and-salty combo. From buttery richness to the classic crunch of potato chips, these ingredients come together in a way that feels familiar but tastes special.
- Potato chips: I recommend Lay’s Classic for their delicate crunch and mild saltiness that blends beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams up fluffy and helps the cookies stay tender.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the salty hints from the chips.
- Egg yolk: Gives the dough structure and richness while keeping things moist.
- Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all the flavors—never skip it!
- All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together without weighing the cookies down.
Variations
One thing I love about Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you prefer more salty or less, or want to add in a little something extra, there’s room for your personal touch.
- Extra Mix-ins: I sometimes sprinkle in chopped nuts or even a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet and salty surprise that makes these cookies festive.
- Different Potato Chips: Tried it with BBQ-flavored chips once—my family could hardly tell the difference because it added a smoky undertone that was delicious.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well, just watch the dough texture as you mix and adjust as needed.
- Reduced Sugar: I cut back sugar slightly sometimes when serving to hungrier kids who prefer the salty notes to shine more.
How to Make Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Chips Just Right
Start by placing your potato chips in a large Ziploc bag and gently crushing them with your hands. You want small, flaky pieces—not powdery crumbs or big chunks. This is key because evenly sized flakes blend into the dough to maintain the cookie’s structure and give that signature crunch without overwhelming every bite. Set them aside while you move to the dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—it’ll look pale and feel airy. This process traps air that helps the cookies rise just enough, giving them a delicate texture. Then add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Fold in Flour and Potato Chips
Sift the all-purpose flour and add it gradually into the butter mixture, blending just until incorporated. Toss in about half of your crushed potato chips and gently fold them in—overmixing can toughen cookies, so patience here pays off. Cover the dough tightly and chill for at least one hour; this chilling step is one I never skip because it makes the dough easier to handle and improves the cookie’s final texture.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper—no greasing needed here, which keeps the bottoms from getting greasy. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them out on the sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching for a gentle golden edge but still soft centers. They’ll feel soft when you take them out but firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Step 5: Cool Completely Before Enjoying
Let your cookies cool fully on wire racks before diving in. This wait is tough because the aroma is so tempting, but cooling helps them set perfectly and develops their texture. These cookies keep well for about five days in an airtight container, so they’re excellent for making ahead too.
Pro Tips for Making Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
- Choose Your Chips Wisely: I found classic, lightly salted chips offer the best flavor balance without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Folding in flour and chips gently ensures soft, tender cookies instead of tough ones.
- Chill That Dough: Chilling is a game-changer for handling and ultimately delivers better texture in the finished cookies.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Remove cookies as soon as edges turn golden to keep soft centers – they’ll harden slightly as they cool.
How to Serve Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually skip heavy garnishes because the potato chip sparkle is the star—but sometimes a sprinkling of coarse sea salt on top before baking adds a professional touch. For a festive feel, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Since these cookies strike a perfect balance between sweet and salty, I like pairing them with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of strong coffee or tea. At gatherings, they work well alongside fresh fruit platters or nut mixes to complement the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love stacking Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe on tiered cake stands surrounded by a mix of colorful candies and nuts. Wrapping a stack tied with a pretty ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift anyone would adore. I once served them with small bowls of flavored butters and jams—it was a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I make a big batch of these cookies, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold their crispy-soft texture nicely for up to five days, which means you get to enjoy that fresh-baked vibe a few days longer than usual.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for an hour or so—they come out tasting almost like fresh baked.
Reheating
If you like your cookies a little warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This brings back some softness and revives those potato chip crunch notes nicely without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored potato chips in Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While classic salted chips are my favorite, experimenting with BBQ or sour cream & onion chips can add unique flavor twists. Just keep in mind stronger flavors might dominate the sweetness or texture, so adjust amounts to taste.
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How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps prevent excessive spreading during baking. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t over-grease your baking sheets—using parchment paper works best.
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Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly. I recommend experimenting with a small batch first to see how you like the results.
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Will these cookies stay fresh longer if refrigerated?
Refrigerating cookies can sometimes dry them out faster. It’s usually best to store them at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite nostalgic treats to share with family and friends because it combines simple ingredients in a fun and unexpected way. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—the mix of salty potato chips and classic cookie sweetness is just pure magic. Trust me, once you try it, these cookies will become your go-to when you want a little extra comfort with a crunchy twist.
PrintMom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: About 25 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mom-Mom’s Potato Chip Cookies are a delightful sweet and salty treat combining the crispiness of potato chips with buttery, soft cookies. This unique cookie recipe blends familiar snack flavors into a delicious baked good that’s perfect for sharing or snacking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups potato chips (preferably Lay’s Classic)
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Crush Potato Chips: Place the potato chips into a Ziploc bag and crush them with your hands until they are small and flaky. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Flour and Chips: Gradually add the all-purpose flour in small amounts, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 cup of the crushed potato chips gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to firm up, which will make it easier to shape and help the flavors meld.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper; do not grease or oil the sheets.
- Shape and Bake: Form the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges start turning golden. The cookies will be lightly colored and soft when removed but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring to a storage container. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use classic salted potato chips for the best flavor contrast.
- Do not grease the cookie sheets; the parchment paper prevents sticking.
- Chilling the dough is essential for shaping and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Cookies will be soft when hot but firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg