These Mildred Ricke cookies are soft sugar cookies with a small chocolate candy bar hidden inside. This recipe comes from Mildred Ricke, a grandmother from Iowa who shared these cookies at family events for many years. The dough in this recipe has instant vanilla pudding mix, which makes the cookies moist and adds a warm vanilla flavor. In this Mildred Ricke cookies recipe, I will share step-by-step instructions to make these cookies, along with some flavorful variations and helpful tips.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Soft cookies with a sweet center: Each cookie has a soft sugar cookie base wrapped around a mini Snickers bar. As the cookies bake, the candy melts into a warm chocolate and caramel center.
- Simple ingredients with great flavor: The dough uses basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and instant vanilla pudding mix. The pudding mix keeps the cookies moist and adds a smooth vanilla taste.
- A classic family recipe: This Mildred Ricke cookies recipe comes from a grandmother who shared these cookies for many years. People enjoy it because it is simple, reliable, and loved by both kids and adults.
- Quick to prepare: The dough mixes fast, and the cookies bake in a short time. You can make a full batch in less than thirty minutes.
- Easy to customize: You can enjoy the classic version or add your own touches. Chocolate chips, nuts, or holiday spices all work well with this Mildred Ricke cookies recipe.
Why These Cookies Are Popular
These cookies are popular because they have a sweet story and a fun surprise inside. Grandma Ricke brought them to many family and school events, and people began asking for them by name.
The hidden mini Snickers bar is a big reason people love them. The candy melts while baking, so each cookie has a soft center with chocolate, caramel, and peanut.
The texture also makes them a favorite. The instant pudding mix keeps the cookies soft and tender, with light golden edges and a soft middle.
Flavor Variations
These cookies are great on their own, but the dough is soft, flexible, and easy to customize. Here are a few simple ideas you can try when you want a different flavor.
Chocolate Chip Version
You can skip the Snickers and turn this into a chocolate chip cookie recipe. Mix 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Bake the cookies as usual for 10–12 minutes. They will be soft, thick, and full of melted chocolate. This version is perfect if you want a classic cookie with a tender, pudding-based texture.
Nuts and Crunchy Add-Ins
You can add crunch by mixing 1 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or toffee bits into the dough. These mix-ins pair well with the Snickers center and add a nice contrast to the soft cookie. Other fun add-ins include crispy rice cereal or small pretzel pieces for a sweet-and-salty bite. Keep the total add-ins to about 1 cup so the dough stays balanced.
Warm Spice or Holiday Version
You can add a cozy flavor by mixing 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into the dry ingredients. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger also works well. For extra flavor, roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before adding the candy.
You can also switch the candy for a holiday twist. A mini peanut butter cup, a chocolate kiss, or red and green candies all work well.
For more fun, try different pudding flavors. Butterscotch pudding gives a deeper caramel taste, and chocolate pudding creates a soft chocolate cookie that hides the Snickers inside.
Recipe for Mildred Ricke Cookies
Mildred Ricke Cookies Recipe
24
servings15
minutes12
minutes170
kcal27
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
24 mini Snickers bars
How to Make Mildred Ricke Cookies
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and the dry pudding mix to a large bowl. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix again until everything is thick, creamy, and well combined. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well so the dry ingredients spread evenly through the flour. This helps the cookies rise properly and prevents any uneven spots in the dough. - Bring the Dough Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 2 or 3 additions. Mix on low speed or stir by hand until the dough forms. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears so the cookies stay soft and tender. The dough should feel thick and slightly sticky. - Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
You can chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes if it feels warm or too soft to shape. Chilling helps the dough firm up and reduces spreading in the oven. It also makes the shaping step easier and cleaner. - Scoop or Shape the Cookie Dough
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball gently with your hands. Place 1 mini Snickers bar in the center. Wrap the dough around the candy and seal it fully. Roll it again to make a smooth ball. Repeat this process for all the cookies so each one has a candy center. - Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough balls on the sheet with space between them, since they will spread while baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the centers look soft. The cookies will set as they cool. - Cool the Cookies Before Serving
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Move them to a cooling rack and let them cool for another 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the centers settle and keeps the bottoms from getting too soft. Serve once the cookies are warm but no longer hot.
Pro Tips for Better Cookies
How to Keep the Cookies Soft
Take the cookies out of the oven when the centers still look slightly soft. They will finish setting as they cool and stay tender inside. The instant vanilla pudding mix and brown sugar already help the cookies stay moist, so avoid overbaking.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If they start to firm up after a day or two, warm one in the microwave for about 8 to 10 seconds to bring back the soft center.
How to Avoid Overspreading
- Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes if it feels warm or sticky. Cold dough holds its shape better in the oven.
- Use butter that is softened, not melted. Melted butter makes the dough run and spread too much.
- Measure the flour accurately so the dough is not too loose. If the dough feels very soft, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Bake on parchment paper instead of a greased pan, and keep at least 2 inches between each cookie.
How to Get the Right Texture Every Time
- Cream the butter and sugars until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step helps create a lighter and softer cookie.
- Mix the flour in gently and stop as soon as the dough forms. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Use fresh baking soda so the cookies rise properly.
- Watch your oven closely, since every oven bakes a little differently. Adjust the time by 1 minute if needed.
- For the most even baking, place one sheet on the middle rack at a time.
Serving Suggestions
Best Time to Serve These Cookies
These cookies taste great any time, but they are especially fun during holidays and family gatherings. The soft cookie and surprise candy center make them perfect for Christmas cookie trays, parties, and bake sales. They are also great as an afternoon snack, a lunchbox treat, or an easy weeknight dessert.
Drinks That Pair Well
A cold glass of milk is the classic choice and pairs perfectly with the warm chocolate and caramel inside the cookie. Coffee or espresso also works very well because the slight bitterness balances the sweetness. For kids, hot cocoa is a great option, especially in winter. A milkshake can be a fun choice in summer if you want something cold and creamy with cookies.
Toppings or Extras You Can Add
You can keep the cookies plain or add a few simple touches. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can bring out the caramel flavor. Pressing a few chocolate chips or M&Ms on top before baking adds color and makes the cookies look bakery-style. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a pretty finish. For a special dessert, serve a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a little chocolate or caramel sauce.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Short-Term Storage (Room Temp or Fridge)
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or a sealed bag. They stay soft at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days. If you stack them, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.
You can refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week if needed, but room temperature is usually better for keeping them soft. If a chilled cookie feels firm, let it warm back up to room temperature or heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back the softness.
How to Freeze the Dough
You can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking. Shape each cookie with the Snickers inside, place the dough balls on a tray, and freeze them for 1–2 hours. Once they are firm, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
You can bake the dough straight from the freezer. Place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
How to Freeze Baked Cookies
Make sure the baked cookies are fully cooled. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, adding parchment paper between layers if you want to prevent sticking. They stay fresh in the freezer for 2–3 months.
To enjoy a frozen cookie, let it thaw at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave it for 15–20 seconds for a warm and slightly melty center.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
24 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories170
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
8.14g
11%
- Saturated Fat 5.22g 25%
- Cholesterol 36mg 12%
- Sodium 137mg 6%
- Total Carbohydrate
19.3g
7%
- Total Sugars 10.7g
- Protein 1.77g 2%
- Vitamin A 29.2mcg 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Disclaimer: Nutrition data for this recipe was calculated using the Recipe Blossom Nutrition Calculator. It’s designed to provide an estimate of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.
However, actual values may vary depending on brands, substitutions, or preparation methods. For medically tailored nutrition advice, we recommend consulting with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
FAQs
Can I Use Salted Butter in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter. If you use salted butter, you can reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe. The cookies will still turn out soft and flavorful.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
Cookies spread too much when the dough is too warm or too soft. Warm butter, not enough flour, or a hot kitchen can all cause this. Chilling the dough for 20 to 30 minutes and measuring the flour carefully usually fixes the problem.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or roll it into dough balls and freeze it for up to 3 months. Chilled or frozen dough often bakes into thicker, nicer cookies.
