Kelce cookie recipe that fueled two NFL superstars and became a viral sensation during Super Bowl LVIII isn’t just any chocolate chip cookie recipe. Donna Kelce’s famous cookies, which she’s been baking for her sons Jason and Travis since they were kids, have become almost as legendary as her boys’ football careers. These cookies perfectly balance crispy edges with soft centers, packed with two types of chocolate chips for that extra special touch that only a mother’s love can provide.
Table of Contents
Why Kelce cookie Recipe Works
- Mother’s Touch: Developed over years of baking for her athletic sons
- Perfect Texture: The combination of butter and shortening creates an ideal cookie structure
- Double Chocolate: Two types of chocolate chips create complex flavor layers
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be frozen for game-day preparedness
Recipe Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours (recommended) |
| Cook Time | 12-14 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 36 cookies |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups (375g) | Spoon and level method |
| Butter | 1 cup (230g) | Room temperature |
| Vegetable shortening | ½ cup (95g) | Crisco recommended |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200g) | |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup (220g) | Firmly packed |
| Large eggs | 2 | at Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon | Pure vanilla recommended |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup (170g) | |
| Milk chocolat chips | 1 cup (170g) | |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | 1 cup (120g) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients (The Kelce Way)
- Set butter out 2 hours before baking
- Bring eggs to room temperature
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt by whisking.
- Set aside in a medium bowl
- This ensures even distribution of leavening
3. Cream Fats and Sugars
- Beat butter and shortening until combined
- Add both sugars gradually
- Mix until the texture is light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Add vanilla extract
4. Add Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Scrape bowl between additions
- Mix until fully incorporated
5. Combine Mixtures
- Add dry ingredients gradually
- Mix on low speed
- Stop when just combined
- Don’t overmix
6. Add Chocolates
- Gently incorporate both varieties of chocolate chips.
- Add walnuts if using
- Mix until evenly distributed
7. Shape and Bake
- Use a #40 cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons) for portioning.
- Space cookies 2 inches apart
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
What Makes These Cookies Special
The Kelce Family Secrets
- Using two types of chocolate chips
- Combining butter and shortening
- Extra vanilla extract
- Room temperature ingredients
- Proper creaming technique
Expert Tips & Variations
Temperature Control
- Room temperature ingredients create better texture
- Chill dough between batches
- Rotate pans halfway through baking
Pro Tips from Mama Kelce
- Don’t skip the creaming step
- Use quality vanilla extract
- Measure flour correctly
- Check oven temperature accuracy
Creative Variations
- The Travis: Add extra milk chocolate chips
- The Jason: Include chopped pecans instead of walnuts
- The Game Day Special: Make them larger (2.5 tablespoon portions)
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Problems and Solutions
Cookies Spread Too Much
- Room too warm
- Butter too soft
- Not enough flour
Solution: Chill dough 30 minutes before baking
Cookies Too Cakey
- Too much flour
- Overmixed dough
- Eggs too cold
Solution: Measure flour carefully, don’t overmix
Cookies Too Hard
- Overbaked
- Wrong fat temperature
- Incorrect measurements
Solution: Remove when edges are just golden
Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie Jar | 5 days | Airtight container |
| Refrigerator (dough) | 3 days | Wrapped tightly |
| Freezer (dough) | 3 months | Wrap tightly twice for storage |
| Freezer (baked) | 2 months | Airtight container |
Make-Ahead Tips for Game Day
- Prepare dough up to 3 days ahead
- Scoop and freeze dough balls
- Bake straight from frozen (add 2 minutes)
- Store in layers with parchment between
Final Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the creaming process
- Use both types of chocolate chips
- Check oven temperature with thermometer
- Let cookies cool on pan 5 minutes
- Store with a slice of bread to maintain freshness
The Kelce Family Legacy
These cookies aren’t just about the ingredients – they’re about family tradition. Donna Kelce has been making these cookies for her boys throughout their journey from youth sports to NFL stardom. The recipe has been perfected over years of post-game treats and family gatherings, making it more than just a cookie recipe – it’s a taste of home that’s fueled two of the NFL’s biggest stars.
Whether you’re baking these for game day, a family gathering, or just because you want to taste a piece of the Kelce family tradition, remember that the most important ingredient is the love and care you put into making them. As Mama Kelce says, it’s not just about the cookies – it’s about the memories you make while sharing them.
Ressources :
Food Network – Tips for Baking Perfect Cookies
A reliable guide from Food Network offering expert tips on achieving perfectly baked cookies, including insights on texture and flavor balance.
King Arthur Baking – The Science of Cookie Baking
This resource delves into the science behind cookie recipes, explaining how different ingredients and techniques affect the final result.
AllRecipes – Top Cookie Recipes & Variations
A comprehensive collection of cookie recipes and creative variations, perfect for inspiring tweaks to your Mama Kelce cookie recipe.