We all love a sweet treat that combines classic flavors with a fun twist. Our Cookies and Cream Hershey recipe brings together the rich, creamy taste of Hershey’s chocolate with the irresistible crunch of cookies and cream. It’s a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade touch.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a nostalgic candy bar experience without leaving the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious snack, these cookies and cream treats are sure to impress. Let’s dive into making this easy and scrumptious dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Cookies and Cream Hershey bars, we’ll need a precise selection of ingredients. These components work together to create that rich chocolate flavor combined with the classic crunch of cookies and cream.
Cookies And Cream Hershey Bars
- 1 cup Hershey’s white chocolate chips — for that creamy base
- 1 cup Hershey’s milk chocolate chips — to balance richness and sweetness
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) — adds signature cookie crunch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — to melt smoothly with the chocolate
Additional Mix-Ins
We can enhance texture and flavor by adding these optional extras:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts — introduces a nutty crunch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract — boosts overall flavor depth
- Pinch of sea salt — balances sweetness and accentuates chocolate
- Mini white chocolate chips — for extra bursts of creaminess
Baking Ingredients (If Applicable)
If you want to bake the bars instead of chilling, gather these baking essentials to ensure a perfect set and smooth texture:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | To help structure the bars |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon | For gentle rise and lightness |
| Eggs | 1 large | Binds ingredients securely |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup | Sweetens and caramelizes edges |
These ingredients allow us to bake the bars with a soft yet firm consistency, replicating the classic Cookies and Cream Hershey taste in a homemade form.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Cookies and Cream Hershey bars, we need the right equipment to ensure smooth preparation and consistent results. Here’s what we use for this recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium and large bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key. We recommend a set that includes both cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: An electric hand mixer speeds up the process but a sturdy whisk works if you don’t have one.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula lets us scrape the bowl clean and fold in the crushed cookies gently.
- Baking Pan or Silicone Mold: Depending on whether you prefer to bake or chill the bars, a 9×9 inch baking pan or a silicone mold helps achieve the ideal shape.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make removal easy, parchment paper lines the baking pan.
- Food Processor or Rolling Pin: For crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies finely, a food processor is perfect; otherwise, a sealed bag and rolling pin work well.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combining ingredients |
| Measuring Tools | Ensuring accurate ingredient quantities |
| Electric Mixer | Mixing batters thoroughly |
| Spatula | Folding and scraping mixtures |
| Baking Pan/Mold | Shaping and baking or chilling bars |
| Parchment Paper | Easy release and clean-up |
| Food Processor | Finely crushing cookies |
Prep Work
Before diving into crafting our delicious Cookies and Cream Hershey bars, it’s essential to prepare everything carefully. Proper prep ensures smooth assembly and the perfect texture for our nostalgic treat.
Preparing the Cookies And Cream Hershey Bars
To start, we crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into small, even pieces. We recommend using a food processor for a fine yet crunchy texture or placing cookies in a sealed bag and rolling with a rolling pin. This step is crucial to achieve the signature cookies and cream crunch.
Next, we measure all ingredients precisely using measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements prevent texture or flavor imbalances. Here’s a quick reminder of our primary ingredients for this step:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Hershey’s white chocolate chips | 1 cup | Measured, ready |
| Hershey’s milk chocolate chips | 1 cup | Measured, ready |
| Chocolate sandwich cookies | 1 cup | Crushed finely |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons | Softened, room temp |
If you choose to add optional mix-ins like mini white chocolate chips or chopped nuts, measure them now so they’re ready for folding in later.
We combine the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl before melting to make integration seamless. Butter should be softened to room temperature to blend smoothly.
Preheating and Setup
To ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking the bars. For no-bake versions, prepare your workspace so the melted ingredients can cool properly.
Set your 9×9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving excess hanging over the sides for easy bar removal. If using silicone molds, check they are clean and dry.
Arrange all tools at hand:
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Silicone spatula for folding cookies
- Measuring cups and spoons
“Preparation is the key to perfection when making Cookies and Cream Hershey bars.”
Following these prep steps carefully will set us up for success as we move toward assembling and baking our irresistible treat.
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create our Cookies and Cream Hershey bars perfectly every time. From melting to setting, we guide you through each essential phase.
Melting and Mixing
- Place 1 cup Hershey’s white chocolate chips and 1 cup milk chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for smoothness.
- Melt the mixture over a double boiler or in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring thoroughly to avoid burning.
- Stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
- Optional: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Combining Ingredients
- Add 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to the melted chocolate.
- Gently fold the cookie pieces into the chocolate mixture with a silicone spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking cookies excessively.
- If using optional mix-ins like mini white chocolate chips or chopped nuts, fold them in now.
- The mixture should look rich with visible cookie bits suspended in creamy chocolate.
Shaping or Pouring Mixture
- Line a 9×9 inch baking pan or silicone mold with parchment paper.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared pan, using the spatula to spread it evenly.
- Press down gently to remove air bubbles and achieve a uniform surface.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top if desired for a sweet-salty balance.
Baking or Setting
| Step | No-Bake Version | Baked Version |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | Not needed | Preheat to 350°F (175°C) |
| Baking Time | Chill for at least 2 hours | Bake for 12-15 minutes |
| Texture | Firm and creamy, melts in the mouth | Soft yet firm, cake-like texture |
- For no-bake bars, refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- For baked bars, bake in the center rack of the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat pieces.
By carefully following these instructions, we create Cookies and Cream Hershey bars with the perfect balance of creamy chocolate and crisp cookie texture.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy our Cookies and Cream Hershey recipe, we recommend serving the bars in ways that highlight their rich texture and creamy flavor. Here are our top serving suggestions to elevate this classic treat:
- Pair with chilled milk for a nostalgic experience. The cold milk balances the sweetness and enhances the creamy chocolate notes.
- Serve alongside vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert. Break the bars into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle over the ice cream for added crunch.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation, especially when serving to guests.
- Use as a topping for cupcakes or frosted cakes, giving your baked goods an exciting cookies and cream twist.
- Wrap individual bars in parchment paper or decorative cellophane to give as charming homemade gifts.
For gatherings, arrange the bars on a decorative platter with fresh berries or mint leaves to add a fresh contrast to the rich flavor.
| Serving Style | Description | Ideal Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Classic & Simple | Straight from the fridge with a glass of milk | Snack time, family treats |
| Ice Cream Enhancement | Crumbled over vanilla or chocolate ice cream | Summer parties, dessert buffets |
| Decorative Dusting | Light powdered sugar dusted over sliced bars | Tea parties, special occasions |
| Cake and Cupcake Topping | Bars broken into chunks and added on top of frosting | Birthdays, celebrations |
| Gift Packaging | Wrapped individually in parchment or gift wraps | Holidays, thank you gifts |
“Serving the bars chilled maximizes the creamy texture, while a slight warming enhances the aroma of Hershey’s chocolate.“
To achieve a balanced taste, we suggest cutting bars into small squares about 2 inches wide. This size is perfect for portion control and easy sharing.
By customizing these serving ideas, we can adapt the Cookies and Cream Hershey bars to suit any occasion, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Storage Tips
To keep our Cookies and Cream Hershey bars fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Follow these steps to maintain their creamy texture and crunchy cookie bits:
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before storing. This prevents condensation that can cause sogginess.
- Airtight Container: Place the bars in an airtight container to maintain moisture balance and avoid absorption of odors from other foods.
- Layering with Parchment Paper: If stacking bars, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the crisp texture.
- Refrigeration: Store the bars in the refrigerator if you plan to keep them for more than 3 days. This extends freshness up to one week.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze up to 3 months.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2-3 days | Use airtight container, cool bars fully |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Keep airtight, separate layers with parchment |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Double wrap bars, thaw before serving |
Pro Tip: When ready to eat frozen bars, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours to preserve the perfect Cookies and Cream Hershey texture. Avoid microwaving as it can alter consistency.
By following these storage tips, we ensure our homemade bars retain the perfect balance of creamy Hershey’s chocolate and crunchy cookie goodness with every bite.
Conclusion
Making Cookies and Cream Hershey bars at home is a rewarding way to enjoy a classic treat with a personal touch. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, we can create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Whether baked or no-bake, these bars offer the perfect balance of creamy chocolate and crunchy cookie texture.
By experimenting with mix-ins and serving ideas, we can customize the bars to suit any occasion or craving. Plus, following proper storage tips ensures they stay fresh and tasty for days. This recipe truly brings the joy of homemade candy bars right to our kitchen, making every bite a delightful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make Cookies and Cream Hershey bars?
You need 1 cup each of Hershey’s white and milk chocolate chips, 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Optional add-ons include chopped nuts, vanilla extract, sea salt, and mini white chocolate chips. Baking versions require flour, baking powder, eggs, and sugar.
What equipment is necessary for preparing these bars?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, a silicone spatula, a 9×9 inch baking pan or silicone mold, parchment paper, and a food processor or rolling pin to crush the cookies.
How do I prepare the cookies before making the bars?
Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into small pieces, measure all ingredients accurately, and combine chocolate chips with butter. Preheat the oven to 350°F if baking or get your workspace ready for no-bake options.
Can I make these bars without baking?
Yes, the bars can be made without baking by melting the chocolate and butter, mixing them with crushed cookies, then chilling the mixture until firm.
What is the best way to store Cookies and Cream Hershey bars?
Cool the bars completely, store in an airtight container, and if stacking, separate layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate up to a week or freeze up to three months, thawing in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
How should I serve Cookies and Cream Hershey bars?
Serve with chilled milk, alongside vanilla ice cream, dusted with powdered sugar, or use as cupcake toppings. Cutting into small squares makes sharing easy and presentation appealing.
Can I add extra flavors to the basic recipe?
Yes, you can enhance flavor with mix-ins like chopped nuts, vanilla extract, mini white chocolate chips, or a pinch of sea salt for added taste and texture.
What is the texture like for baked vs. no-bake versions?
Baked bars have a soft, cake-like texture, while no-bake bars are firmer and creamy with a crunchy cookie bite.
How long do I need to chill no-bake bars?
Chill no-bake bars for at least 2 hours or until they are firm enough to slice cleanly.
Are these bars suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Wrap them nicely in parchment or gift paper; they make a delicious, homemade treat perfect for any occasion.