Store-bought cookie mix is a convenient shortcut to get that fresh-baked goodness, but with a few creative hacks, you can take it from basic to bakery-quality. If you want to enhance flavor, improve texture or even experiment with fun cookie ideas and add-ins, these super sweet tips will help you take store bought cookie dough recipes to the next level.
Scrumptious Additions to Packaged Cookie Dough Mix
Got some packaged cookie mix and want to make it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen? Say no more! Whether you’re working with sugar cookie dough, chocolate chip mix or anything in between, we’ve got the ultimate list of fun, flavorful and downright delicious cookie add-ins.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips for a classic, gooey upgrade.
- Peanut Butter Chips: Choose REESE’S Peanut Butter Chips for a nutty, yet rich flavor.
- Cinnamon Chips: Add some warmth and spice to your recipe with HERSHEY’S Cinnamon Chips.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to take the sweetness up a notch.
- Bacon Bits: For a fun sweet and salty twist, incorporate crispy bacon pieces in your dough or as a topping.
- Caramel Bits: Add chewy caramel pieces to create an incredibly indulgent texture.
Make Cookies Better with Flavorful Syrup Mixes
Why settle for plain when you can turn your cookies into masterpieces? Mixing in our sweet syrups isn’t just a genius hack, it’s a baking game-changer. Imagine sugar cookies with a caramel drizzle or a swirl of strawberry mixed in. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a rookie in the kitchen, these syrups can make your treats extra delish in just a few delicious steps!
- Chocolate Syrup: Pour in HERSHEY'S Chocolate Syrup for extra chocolatey cookies.
- Sugar-free Chocolate Syrup: Need a dessert that’s not heavy on the sugar? Add HERSHEY'S Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup to recipes like these HERSHEY’S Chocolate Chip Cookies Made with Sugar Free Chocolate Chips.
- Caramel Syrup: Drizzle in HERSHEY'S Caramel Syrup for a rich, buttery bite.
- Strawberry Syrup: Add HERSHEY'S Strawberry Flavored Syrup to sugar cookie mixes for extra yummy, pink-tinted treats.
Cookie Mix Hacks to Enhance Cookie Texture
From adjusting fat content to tweaking the baking process, these simple tricks will have your cookies looking, and more importantly tasting, like they were made from scratch.
Adjust Fat Content
The secret to the perfect cookies? It’s all in the fat! The type and amount of fat you use can completely transform your cookie’s texture. Whether you love them soft and chewy or crisp and snappy, these simple tweaks will help you bake up the ultimate batch.
Butter
Melted butter is your best friend if you’re after cookies with a rich, chewy bite. It creates a dense, fudgy texture that makes every bite indulgent.
Oil
Swapping out some of the butter for vegetable oil will create more spread, which means your cookies will be thinner.
Cream Cheese
Want cookies that practically melt in your mouth? A few tablespoons of cream cheese will give you soft, pillowy treats that will help create the perfect moist cookie recipe.
Discover the science behind the perfect cookie to see how all the different ingredients come together to create the perfect texture and flavor in every bite.
Modify Baking Process
Take your cookies from good to "OMG, who made these?" with just a few store bought cookie dough hacks! Small changes in baking techniques can make a big difference in your final recipe.
- Chill Your Dough: Pop your dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. Not only does this prevent cookies from spreading flat, but it also deepens the flavors, making each bite more delicious.
- Change the Baking Time: Are you team gooey or team crispy cookie? Slightly underbake your treats for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, or let them go a little longer go get golden, crunchy perfection.
- Use Parchment Paper: Nobody likes a cookie that’s been stuck to the baking sheet. Use parchment paper to ensure even baking, easy cleanup and cookies that slide right off.
For even more ways to perfect your cookie baking process, our cookie baking tips and tricks will teach you everything you need to know!
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are endless ways to pack more punch into your cookie dough! Try mixing in chopped nuts for a crunch, dried fruits for chewy sweetness, flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for something unexpected or a sprinkle of espresso powder to enhance any chocolate flavors.
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Nobody wants a cookie that turns into a pancake. Keep your dough cool by chilling it for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, check what baking sheet you’re using. Shiny aluminum ones help cookies hold their shape better than darker pans. And don’t forget to measure your ingredients precisely, since too much butter or too little flour can lead to unwanted spreading.
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Pudding mix is the secret ingredient for ultra-soft, chewy cookies. The added starch locks in moisture, keeping your cookies fresh for days. Bonus? It infuses an extra layer of flavor, whether it’s vanilla, chocolate or even butterscotch. For every one batch of packaged cookies, use one 3.4 oz pack of instant pudding for super soft and delicious treats.
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Freezing cookie dough enhances the flavors by letting all the ingredients meld together and solidify. Plus, it gives you thick, chewy cookies instead of flat ones. Just freeze and bake whenever your sweet tooth strikes!
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If your dough is looking a little sad and crumbly, don’t worry. A splash of milk, a drizzle of melted butter or an extra egg yolk can work wonders in bringing back that perfect texture.
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Leftover dough? That’s an opportunity for more delicious treats! Roll it into Cookie Truffles 3 Ways or make these tasty REESE’S Peanut Butter Temptations to share with friends and family.
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A splash of vanilla extract will instantly deepen the flavor of your cookies. For next-level richness, brown your butter before mixing. It adds a caramelized, nuttiness that tastes just like a homemade treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little citrus zest from a lemon or orange can brighten up sugar cookies beautifully.
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Absolutely! Whether you swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect or mix in REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips for bursts of creaminess, peanut butter adds richness and depth to any cookie.
