Old Fashioned Copper Pennies Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: October 14, 2025

There’s something timeless and comforting about the Old Fashioned Copper Pennies recipe that beckons food lovers everywhere. This delightful dessert, with its rich, gooey texture and the sweet, caramelized flavor of brown sugar and chocolate, has been a cherished treat for generations.

Perfect for cozy evenings or a nostalgic gathering, these copper pennies are not your everyday cookie—they boast a fudgy center with a crackly top that melts in your mouth. If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a nostalgic, simple, yet utterly delicious baked good, this recipe is your go-to.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. Let’s dive into the magic of crafting these old-fashioned treats and rediscover a classic that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Old Fashioned Copper Pennies recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity and rich flavor. It’s perfect for those who crave a dessert that is both chewy and fudgy, with a hint of caramel sweetness from brown sugar.

This recipe is:

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Versatile and adaptable—you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for a personal twist.
  • Perfectly nostalgic, evoking memories of homemade treats from childhood.
  • Great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9×13 inch baking pan or a similar size
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Let it cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until the batter becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Sifting is important to avoid lumps and to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold gently using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
  7. Fold in the optional nuts or chocolate chips if you’re using them. This adds delightful texture and flavor.
  8. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The top should be set with a shiny, crackly crust but still soft in the middle. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let the copper pennies cool completely before cutting into squares for serving.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, be careful not to overbake your copper pennies. They should be fudgy and slightly gooey inside.

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
  • Swap nuts for dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
  • Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to enhance richness.
  • Try topping with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty balance.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 piece, approx.)
Calories 180 kcal
Total Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 35 mg
Sodium 90 mg
Total Carbohydrates 25 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 18 g
Protein 2 g

Serving Suggestions

Old Fashioned Copper Pennies are delightfully versatile when it comes to serving. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy them warm alongside a cup of hot coffee or rich hot chocolate.

You can also get creative by crumbling them over a bowl of fresh berries or layering in a parfait with yogurt and fruit for a delightful breakfast or snack. If you want to take your presentation up a notch, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top just before serving.

Conclusion

The Old Fashioned Copper Pennies recipe is a timeless treasure perfect for anyone who loves a rich, fudgy dessert with a homemade touch. Its simplicity, combined with the luscious chocolate and caramel notes, makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re baking for the family, a special occasion, or just because, these treats bring warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Try this recipe the next time you want to indulge in a comforting dessert that’s easy to whip up but feels like a special treat. And if you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes, be sure to check out other fantastic dishes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, or the refreshing Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Old Fashioned Copper Pennies

Description: A nostalgic candy recipe featuring sweet, chewy pennies made with sugar and corn syrup. Perfect for a retro treat or party favor.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 24 candies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Copper food coloring
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, salt, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.
  3. Heat mixture over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  4. Bring to a boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
  5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and copper food coloring.
  6. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet and let cool slightly.
  7. While still pliable, use a greased penny or small round mold to press candy into coin shapes.
  8. Let candies cool completely and harden, then dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
  9. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 23g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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