I tried recreating the limited-edition Chips Ahoy Stranger Things cookies at home, and yes, I very much ended up with a plate of gooey, chocolate-and-strawberry treats that might just beat the original. These cookies feature a chocolatey base, fudge chips, and a vivid red strawberry-flavored filling.
If you’re wondering how to make the Chips Ahoy Stranger Things cookie recipe or want a fun, slightly spooky bake for your next watch party, you’re in the right place. (And I’ll admit: I had fun being my own Kitchen “Hawkins” experiment.)
What Are the Stranger Things Chips Ahoy Cookies?
The original collaboration between Chips Ahoy! and Stranger Things is a limited-edition cookie with soft-baked chocolate dough, fudge chips, and a bright red strawberry-filled center (supposed to represent the Upside-Down rifts).
What the label didn’t say: these are soft, slightly chewy, and pack both chocolate-chip comfort and strawberry surprise. From my test batch, the combination is fun, but you’ll want to adjust the sugar or filling intensity to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I used (and you can too) to get that cookie-inspired look & flavor:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups fudge chocolate chips
- ½ cup strawberry jam (or strawberry-flavored filling)
- Optional: red food coloring (for a deeper “rifts” look)
In my kitchen, I swapped part of the butter with vegan-friendly margarine for a lighter version, and it still worked. You’ll see texture changes (less “classic chewy”), but still tasty.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Cookies
Step 1: Pre-heat & prep. Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Beat the butter and sugars. In another large bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
Step 4: Combine & add chips. Stir the dry mix into the wet. Then fold in fudge chips.
Step 5: Portion & fill. Use a tablespoon to scoop dough balls, flatten slightly, then press ~½ tsp strawberry jam into the center and re-cover with a bit of dough.
Step 6: Bake & cool. Bake for ~10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
My tip: Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes before baking; it helps prevent spreading too thin (I learned this the hard way).
Storage & Serving Ideas
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay softer if you add a slice of bread to the container (yes, the old trick still works). These cookies also make a fun watch-party snack board, pile them with popcorn, small packs of chips, perhaps even an ice-cream bar. Since the original product is “limited edition,” baking your own means you won’t rely on late-night stock hunts.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan version: Use plant butter and flax-egg (1 Tb ground flax + 3 Tb water).
- Gluten-free: Replace flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower sugar: Use half the jam amount + sugar-free chocolate chips (makes it less “flashy” but still fun).
- Mini cookie version: Make smaller dough balls and bake for 8-9 minutes, perfect for kids’ lunchboxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are these truly the same as Chips Ahoy Stranger Things cookies?
No, they’re a homemade copycat inspired by the original. The store version uses proprietary filling & packaging. But you can mimic the flavor and fun.
What flavor are the original cookies?
They’re chocolate cookies with fudge chips and a strawberry-flavored filling.
Can I buy the original flavor in Pakistan?
The limited-edition release is US-centric; availability in Pakistan is unlikely. Baking your own gives you full control of flavor & availability.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own Chips Ahoy Stranger Things cookie recipe is part nostalgia trip, part creative kitchen moment, and all fun. I found that the strawberry-filled center makes a big difference, giving these cookies their “Upside-Down” twist. So grab your mixing bowl, crank on your favorite 80s-inspired mix, and bake away. You’re not just making cookies, you’re creating a snack ready for its own small-screen moment.
Copycat Chips Ahoy Stranger Things Cookie Recipe
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes660
kcalIngredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups fudge chocolate chips
½ cup strawberry jam (or strawberry-flavored filling)
Optional: red food coloring (for a deeper “rifts” look)
Directions
- Step 1: Pre-heat & prep.
Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line two baking sheets with parchment. - Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients.
In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. - Step 3: Beat the butter and sugars.
In another large bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. - Step 4: Combine & add chips.
Stir the dry mix into the wet. Then fold in fudge chips. - Step 5: Portion & fill.
Use a tablespoon to scoop dough balls, flatten slightly, then press ~½ tsp strawberry jam into the center and re-cover with a bit of dough. - Step 6: Bake & cool.
Bake for ~10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.