Copycat Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Recipe

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I’ve been toiling away, experimenting with the perfect blend of rich, velvety white chocolate and the satisfying crunch of chocolate cookie bits. The result? A decadent Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme recipe that pays homage to the cherished candy bar while allowing us to put our unique spin on it.

How to make Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme

Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme is a popular chocolate bar that combines creamy white chocolate with crunchy chocolate cookie pieces. The bar has a sweet, smooth texture complemented by the added crunch from the cookies, creating a delightful contrast.

Ingredients:

For the White Chocolate:

• 2 cups (about 340g) of high-quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 1/2 cup (about 120ml) of heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (about 120g) of chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), roughly chopped

Instructions:

Preparing the White Chocolate:

1. Double Boiler Method: Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This will provide gentle heat to melt the chocolate.
2. Melting the Chocolate: Add the white chocolate chips (and heavy cream if using) to the bowl. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If you’ve chosen to include vanilla extract, stir it in once the chocolate is melted.
3. Cooling the Melted Chocolate: Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove the bowl from heat. Allow the chocolate to cool for a few minutes so that when you add the cookie pieces, they won’t soften too much from the heat.

Incorporating the Cookies:

1. Adding Cookies: Fold in the chopped chocolate sandwich cookies into the melted white chocolate. Be gentle to ensure the pieces do not break down too much, aiming for a chunky texture.

Setting the Chocolate:

1. Pouring the Mixture: Line a baking sheet or a shallow pan with parchment paper. Pour the white chocolate and cookie mixture onto the parchment paper, spreading it into a rough rectangle or square shape, depending on your preference.
2. Chilling: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1-2 hours or until it is completely set.
3. Cutting Your Candy Bar: Once the chocolate has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut the chocolate into bars or chunks. If the chocolate is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.

Tips for Success:

• Quality of Ingredients: The quality of white chocolate is crucial. Choose a high percentage of cocoa butter brand for smoother and creamier results.
• Cookie Proportions: Adjust the amount of cookies based on your preference. More cookies will create a crunchier texture, while fewer will make the chocolate more prominent.
• Storage: Store your homemade Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if your home is warm. They can last for up to 2 weeks.
• Customizations: Feel free to add your twist to the recipe by including nuts, dried fruits, or using different types of cookies.

What to serve with

Serving something alongside Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme can transform it from a simple treat into a more complex dessert experience.

Beverages

• Coffee: A cup of black coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors of Cookies’ n’ Creme bars. The bitterness of the coffee provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.
• Milk: It’s a classic pairing – chocolate and milk. The creaminess of cold milk complements the sweet, creamy flavor of the chocolate bars.
• Hot Chocolate: Enhance the chocolatey indulgence with a warm cup of hot chocolate. It doubles down on comfort, especially in colder months.
• Tea: A cup of tea can be a surprisingly good match, especially more robust varieties like Earl Grey or Assam, which can withstand the sweetness of the chocolate.

Ice Cream and Sorbets

• Vanilla Ice Cream: For a delightful blend of textures and flavors, serve a slice or chunk of the Cookies’ n’ Creme bar on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: For a refreshing twist, mint chocolate chip ice cream can contrast nicely with the sweet and creamy bars.
• Fruit Sorbets: A tangy fruit sorbet (like raspberry or lemon) can offer a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of sweet chocolate.

Desserts

• Cheesecake: For an extra special dessert, serve slices of cheesecake with chunks or crushed Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme bars sprinkled on top or even mixed into the batter before baking.
• Parfaits: Layer crushed pieces of Cookies’ n’ Creme bars with whipped cream and fresh berries to create a simple yet elegant parfait.
• Brownies: Mix chunks of the chocolate bar into your brownie batter before baking, or simply sprinkle some on top for a fudgy, crunchy treat.

Fruit Pairings

• Strawberries and Bananas: Fresh strawberries and bananas complement the creamy chocolate quite well. Either serve them on the side or dip them in melted Cookies’ n’ Creme chocolate.
• Apples: Slices of tart apples can be a refreshing counterpart to the sweet and creamy flavors of the chocolate bars.

For the Snack Board

• Nuts: Salted almonds, pistachios, or pecans can add a nice crunch and a touch of saltiness that enhances the sweet flavor of the chocolate.
• Dried Fruit: Apricots, cranberries, or mangoes provide chewiness and a concentrated fruit sweetness that can balance out the creamy sweetness of the chocolate.

Baked Goods

• Scones or Croissants: For a decadent breakfast or brunch item, incorporate pieces of the chocolate bar into scones or croissants.
• Cookies: Crush them and mix them into cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor, or serve homemade cookies alongside the chocolate bars for a varied sweet treat option.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme bars can be a fun and rewarding endeavor. If you’re looking to recreate or even enhance this iconic treat but need to substitute some ingredients due to dietary restrictions, preferences, or availability, there are several alternatives you can consider.

For White Chocolate

• Dairy-Free/Vegan White Chocolate: For those avoiding dairy, there are vegan white chocolate options available that use alternatives like rice milk, almond milk, or coconut oil instead of dairy. Cocoa butter is usually vegan but always double-check the ingredients.
• Homemade White Chocolate: You can make your white chocolate by melting cocoa butter and mixing it with powdered sugar and a dairy or non-dairy milk powder. Adding a drop of vanilla can enhance the flavor.

For Milk Powder (in white chocolate)

• Coconut Milk Powder: This can be a great dairy-free alternative to milk powder in homemade white chocolate recipes.
• Soy Milk Powder: Another good vegan option for replicating the creamy texture in the white chocolate base.

For Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: If you’re looking for a less refined substitute, coconut sugar can work, though it may slightly alter the flavor, giving it a hint of caramel.
• Stevia or Erythritol: These sweeteners can be used as a lower-calorie option, but they may affect the texture and freezing/melting point of the chocolate.

For Cocoa Butter

• Coconut Oil: If cocoa butter is hard to find, coconut oil can be an alternative, though it might alter the taste and texture, making the chocolate softer or more likely to melt at room temperature.

For Cookie Pieces

• Homemade Chocolate Cookies: You can make your own chocolate cookies to control the ingredients and adjust for any dietary needs. Use alternatives like almond flour or oat flour for gluten-free cookies.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies: If you’re avoiding gluten, there are many ready-made options for gluten-free chocolate cookies that you can crush and mix into the white chocolate.
• Oreo-Style Vegan Cookies: For a dairy-free or vegan version, look for vegan chocolate sandwich cookies that don’t contain animal products.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious batch of homemade Hershey’s Cookies’ n’ Creme bars that you can enjoy and share. Experimenting with the recipe can create a perfect variation of this cherished treat.

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• Copycat Del Taco Cookie Butter Shake Recipe
• Cookie Butter Cheesecake Recipe
• Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew Recipe
• Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake Recipe
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Soufflé