Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I rummaged through my pantry one afternoon, I stumbled upon a curious combination of ingredients: pretzels, chocolate chips, and even some leftover potato chips. It sparked an idea that would soon transform into my new favorite treat—Loaded Cookie Brittle! This delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors is not only quick to whip up (we’re talking just 20 minutes!), but it also doubles as the perfect party snack or heartfelt homemade gift. Imagine sharing a crunchy, irresistible treat that everyone will be talking about long after the last bite. So, are you ready to indulge in this easy, flexible recipe that promises to satisfy cravings and bring smiles to faces? Let’s dive in! What Makes Loaded Cookie Brittle Irresistible? Quick and Easy: Whip up this fantastic treat in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute snack for unexpected guests or a sweet surprise for your family. Sweet Meets Salty: The combination of chocolate chips, pretzels, and crushed potato chips creates a flavor explosion that tantalizes your taste buds. Customizable Creations: Feel free to experiment! Swap in flavored chips or nuts for a unique twist that suits your cravings. Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a holiday gathering or as a thoughtful gift, this cookie brittle is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet-tooth. Crunchy Delight: The crispy texture will keep you coming back for more, turning simple snacking into an indulgent experience. Plus, if you love cookies with a twist, check out our Cookie Dough Cheesecake or try your hand at Cookies and Cream Cupcakes for more delightful treats! Loaded Cookie Brittle Ingredients • Get ready to gather all the delightful components for your Loaded Cookie Brittle! For the Cookie Base Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use softened for easy mixing. Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps with browning; granulated sugar can be used if brown sugar is unavailable. Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a deep caramel flavor; can substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper taste. Vanilla – Enhances overall flavor; use pure vanilla extract for best results. Flour – Forms the cookie structure; all-purpose flour is standard but a gluten-free blend can work as a substitute. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; ensure sea salt for a gourmet touch. For the Mix-Ins Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds chocolatey sweetness; dark chocolate chips can substitute for a richer flavor. Crushed Potato Chips – Offers a salty crunch; experiment with flavored chips for variety. Whole Pretzel Twists – Provides additional salty crunch; broken pretzels can change the texture. Flaky Sea Salt – For garnish; optional but recommended for finishing flair. For Drizzling Caramel – Adds gooey sweetness; store-bought or homemade can be used. Melted Chocolate – Enhances the chocolate flavor; use milk, dark, or white chocolate based on preference. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Loaded Cookie Brittle Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the Loaded Cookie Brittle from sticking. This ensures an easy release after baking, resulting in perfect, crisp edges. Set the prepared baking sheet aside while you mix your dough. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 2-3 minutes. Add in pure vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. This step builds the foundation for your Loaded Cookie Brittle’s rich flavor. Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients Gradually add all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed just until the flour is incorporated, being careful not to overmix. You want a smooth, thick dough that holds together nicely. This prevents your Loaded Cookie Brittle from becoming dense and ensures it maintains its delightful crunch. Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, crushed potato chips, and whole pretzel twists using a spatula. The mixture should be colorful and chunky, showcasing the sweet and salty elements that make this Loaded Cookie Brittle so irresistible. Avoid vigorous stirring to keep the mix-ins intact and evenly distributed throughout the dough. Step 5: Spread and Bake Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly to about an inch thick. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures may vary; you want a crisp top while ensuring it doesn’t overbake. Step 6: Cool and Drizzle Once baked, remove the Loaded Cookie Brittle from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, drizzle melted chocolate and caramel over the top for an extra layer of sweetness. Use a spoon or a piping bag for an even drizzle, and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that gourmet finishing touch. Step 7: Break and Serve After the chocolate and caramel have set slightly (you can pop it in the fridge for quicker results), gently break the brittle into pieces using your hands. Serve immediately or package it up as a delightful homemade gift. This Loaded Cookie Brittle is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime. Storage Tips for Loaded Cookie Brittle Room Temperature: Keep your Loaded Cookie Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve its crunchy texture for up to one week. Fridge: If you prefer a slightly softer treat, you can store the brittle in the fridge, but be mindful that this may alter its crunchy nature. Freezer: For longer storage, place pieces of Loaded Cookie Brittle in a freezer-safe bag; it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying! Reheating: If you like a warm treat, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to maintain that crispy goodness. What to Serve with Loaded Cookie Brittle Imagine the crunch of brittle paired with comforting sides, elevating your sweet treat experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, coolness balances the sweet and salty flavors, creating a delightful contrast in textures. One scoop will have your taste buds dancing! Caramel Sauce: Drizzling extra caramel atop the brittle adds an indulgent sweetness that draws everyone in. It’s the perfect companion for dipping! Espresso or Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness, making it a perfect partner for your brittle during afternoon breaks. Roasted Nuts: With their savory crunch, roasted nuts provide a lovely textural contrast, making for an outstanding snack combination that keeps everyone craving more. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad adds a bright, juicy note that balances the rich flavors in the brittle, refreshing your palate. Milk or Hot Chocolate: A classic choice, milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate creates a nostalgic pairing that enhances the sweet indulgence of your brittle treat. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions; each pairing will create a delightful experience that complements the irresistible Loaded Cookie Brittle! Make Ahead Options These Loaded Cookie Brittle treats are fantastic for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to bake, simply spread the chilled dough onto your prepared baking sheet and proceed with the baking instructions. Additionally, once completely cooled, the finished Loaded Cookie Brittle can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring it remains just as delicious and crunchy. This way, you’ve got a sweet and salty snack ready whenever cravings strike! Loaded Cookie Brittle Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative! This brittle is your canvas, inviting delicious adaptations that tickle your taste buds. Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and rich flavor. They add texture and make the snack even more satisfying. Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. The coconut adds a chewy contrast that surprises and delights! Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to bring the heat. You’ll love the unexpected spicy-sweet combo! Fruitful Addition: Toss in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a sweet and chewy contrast. This addition brings a fruity brightness to each bite. Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to enjoy a vegan version without sacrificing taste. Your friends will love this indulgent treat! Flavored Chips: Experiment with BBQ or ranch-flavored potato chips to give your brittle a savory twist that will impress everyone at your next gathering. Grain-Free: For a gluten-free option, swap regular flour with almond flour, which keeps the taste delightful while ensuring everyone can enjoy. Culinary Inspired: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. This fragrant touch elevates your Loaded Cookie Brittle to a whole new level! And while you’re at it, if you love loaded treats, be sure to explore our Gingerbread Men Cookies or indulge in the luscious Chocolate Chip Cookies for more mouthwatering ideas! Expert Tips for Loaded Cookie Brittle Mixing Method: Always cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy for a perfect texture; this creates air pockets that help the brittle to crisp up beautifully. Even Spread: When spreading the dough, maintain an even thickness; this ensures consistent baking, preventing some pieces from becoming too hard or too soft. Flavor Upgrades: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try flavored potato chips or different types of chocolate to give your Loaded Cookie Brittle a unique twist. Cooling Time: Allow the brittle to cool before drizzling with chocolate and caramel; this prevents melting and ensures a beautiful presentation. Storage Tips: Keep your Loaded Cookie Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness for up to a week. Loaded Cookie Brittle Recipe FAQs What type of potato chips should I use for Loaded Cookie Brittle? Absolutely! You can use regular or flavored potato chips to add a unique twist to your Loaded Cookie Brittle. Flavored chips like barbecue or sour cream and onion can elevate the sweet-and-salty profile. However, traditional salted chips work beautifully too, providing a classic crunch! How should I store my Loaded Cookie Brittle? To maintain its delightful crunch, store your Loaded Cookie Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. If you opt for refrigeration, know that this may alter its crispy texture somewhat. Can I freeze Loaded Cookie Brittle and for how long? Very! To freeze your Loaded Cookie Brittle, first, break it into pieces and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature. If you want a warm treat, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes for that freshly-baked taste! What can I do if my Loaded Cookie Brittle comes out too soft? If your Loaded Cookie Brittle turns out softer than expected, it might be due to underbaking or compacting the dough too tightly when spreading. You can pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes to help it crisp up. For next time, ensure you spread the mixture evenly and check it as it bakes to achieve that perfect crunch! Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of? The Loaded Cookie Brittle contains common allergens like gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter). If you need a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate. Always double-check specific ingredients for allergens before sharing with others! How can I customize my Loaded Cookie Brittle? Feel free to get creative! You can swap mini chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips, try different potato chip flavors, or add nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the balance of flavors while creating your own unique treats! Delicious Loaded Cookie Brittle: A Sweet & Salty Crunch Loaded Cookie Brittle combines pretzels, chocolate chips, and potato chips for a quick and irresistible sweet and salty treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 12 piecesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Butter softened1 cup Sugar granulated1 cup Brown Sugar can substitute with coconut sugar2 teaspoons Vanilla pure vanilla extract2 cups Flour all-purpose or gluten-free1 teaspoon Salt sea salt recommendedFor the Mix-Ins1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips or dark chocolate chips1 cup Crushed Potato Chips can experiment with flavored chips1 cup Whole Pretzel Twists or broken pretzels1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt optional for garnishFor Drizzling1 cup Caramel store-bought or homemade1 cup Melted Chocolate can use milk, dark, or white chocolate Equipment Mixing bowlelectric mixerbaking sheetParchment paperspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded Cookie BrittlePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla extract.Gradually add flour and a pinch of salt, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, crushed potato chips, and whole pretzel twists.Spread the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about an inch thick, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with melted chocolate and caramel, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.Once chocolate and caramel have set, break into pieces and serve or package as gifts. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesKeep stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the fridge for a softer texture. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
