Pin The first time I saw chocolate chip mac and cheese cookies on a party snack table I did a double-take then immediately grabbed a couple out of curiosity. It sounds wild but the rich cheese blends with a classic buttery cookie and those melted chocolate pockets make every bite exciting. Imagine your favorite mac and cheese meeting your childhood chocolate chip cookies in a totally new way.
These cookies won over my family after a neighbor brought them to our summer barbecue. Now I make them for potlucks and someone always asks for the recipe. You get creamy savory cheese flavor but then the sweet dough and chocolate chips add comfort and nostalgia: totally unique.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Adds classic cookie structure Make sure your flour is fresh for best texture
- Baking soda: Helps cookies puff up and bake evenly Double check it is active for proper rise
- Salt: Boosts all the flavors and balances sweetness Try sea salt for a nuanced layer
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness to the dough Use European style for extra creamy taste
- Granulated sugar: Gives crisp edges and classic sweetness Fine sugar dissolves best
- Light brown sugar: Creates chewy centers and deeper flavor Press it in when measuring for accuracy
- Egg: Binds ingredients for structure A large fresh egg makes cookies perfectly tender
- Vanilla extract: Warms up the cookie notes Real vanilla adds better flavor than imitation
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds the unmistakable mac and cheese element Grate your own for better melt and taste
- Cooked elbow macaroni: Unique chew and creamy texture Make sure it is fully cooled before mixing in
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Pockets of sweet chocolate balance savory cheese Look for high quality chips with good cocoa content
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Sheets:
- Preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper Lay the sheets as smooth as possible for easy cookie removal
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk the flour baking soda and salt Whisk for at least thirty seconds so baking soda is evenly distributed and you avoid bitter clumps
- Beat Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl cream the butter granulated sugar and brown sugar Start with softened butter Beat together for two to three minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy This step creates the cookie crumb
- Mix in Egg and Vanilla:
- Crack the egg and add vanilla extract to the creamed mixture Beat just until combined You want everything emulsified but do not overmix
- Add Dry to Wet:
- Gradually mix those dry ingredients into your wet mixture Add in thirds so flour is fully incorporated and dough is not tough Scrape sides of bowl as you work
- Fold in Cheese Macaroni and Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in grated cheddar cooled macaroni and chocolate chips A soft spatula works best Stir just enough so everything is evenly spread No overmixing
- Shape Dough on Baking Sheets:
- Scoop generous spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets Each should be about two inches apart They will spread slightly while baking
- Bake Your Cookies:
- Bake for ten to twelve minutes Until edges are golden brown and centers look set Watch for cheese to lightly crisp for extra flavor
- Cool Before Serving:
- Let cookies rest on baking sheets five minutes This helps them set and develop final texture Then transfer to wire rack to finish cooling
Pin Sharp cheddar is my favorite ingredient here since its tangy kick pops through the classic cookie dough In my house the first time we made these together my little one insisted on adding extra macaroni and it actually made the cookies even chewier We now laugh remembering the flour all over our hands and the warm gooey results disappearing in minutes
Storage Tips
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to four days They stay soft and are best the first two days If you want to stretch freshness place a slice of bread in the container to prevent drying
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for cheddar or mix two for a milder flavor If needed use gluten free flour with a little extra baking soda Egg substitutes like flax egg work well in this dough too
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a fun kids party or potluck treat Try stacking them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an outrageous sundae Serve warm for peak gooeyness
Cultural or Historical Context
Fusion desserts like this have grown more popular as home bakers experiment with nostalgic comfort foods Mac and cheese is an American classic and pairing it with a chocolate chip cookie brings a playful twist that surprises everyone
Seasonal Adaptations
A touch of pumpkin puree and nutmeg in fall makes these even more cozy Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for winter warmth Switch out some chocolate chips for dried cranberries in spring
Success Stories
My cousin made these for her daughter’s birthday and kids lined up for seconds Last winter I froze the dough in scoops and baked a fresh batch for a snowy afternoon hot cocoa pairing
Pin Freeze baked cookies or raw dough for best convenience and future treats Just be sure to let thaw and warm slightly for peak flavor and texture
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheddar works best?
Sharp cheddar provides a distinct flavor that contrasts nicely with chocolate chips, though blends like Monterey Jack offer a milder touch.
- → Is it necessary to cool the macaroni before adding?
Yes, cooling and draining macaroni prevents excess moisture, ensuring cookies retain their shape and texture.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for size and texture, but small pasta shapes like shells may work as a substitute.
- → What is the best way to store these cookies?
Allow cookies to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Ingredients contain no meat products, making them vegetarian-friendly. Always check cheese and chocolate for suitability.
- → Can the recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Double ingredient quantities and divide the dough between multiple baking sheets for best results.