Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies

Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe - Peanut Butter Chips, Semi-sweet Chocolate, Shortening, Graham Snack Crackers

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 20 cookies

Introduction

These Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies are a fun and delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a rich and indulgent flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

This recipe is a playful twist on the classic chocolate-covered cookie. By adding teddy bear shaped graham snack crackers, these cookies take on a whimsical and adorable appearance that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Ingredients

1.67 cup (10 oz (283 g) package) Reese's peanut butter chips
1 cup Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)
1 package (20 oz (567 g)) chocolate sandwich cookies
1 box (10 oz (283 g)) teddy bear shaped graham snack crackers

How to prepare

Cover a tray or cookie sheet with wax paper.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and shortening.
Microwave the mixture on high (100%) for 1.5 to 2 minutes, or until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth when stirred.
Using a fork, dip each cookie into the chip mixture, and gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
Place the coated cookies on the prepared tray, and top each cookie with a graham snack cracker.
Refrigerate the cookies, uncovered, until the chocolate is set, which should take about 30 minutes.
Store the cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Variations

Try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
Add sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cookies for a festive touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tap off any excess chocolate from the cookies before placing them on the tray to set. This will help prevent the chocolate from pooling around the cookies.

- For a fun variation, try using different shaped graham snack crackers or even different types of cookies for a unique twist on this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies are perfect for a children's party or as a fun snack for any occasion. Serve them with a glass of milk for a classic and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to refrigerate the cookies after dipping them in the chocolate mixture to allow the chocolate to set properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have peanut butter chips, you can use regular chocolate chips instead.

- You can also use any type of sandwich cookie or graham cracker for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

These Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a platter and garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These cookies pair well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a comforting and indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They do not need to be reheated before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

These cookies contain peanuts and may also contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

These Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies are a delicious treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

Summary

These Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies are a fun and delicious treat that is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. With a rich and indulgent flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious baking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the heavenly scent of chocolate and cherries.

Margaret invited me to sit down at the kitchen table while she finished up a batch of cookies. I watched in awe as she carefully shaped the dough into adorable teddy bear shapes and placed a cherry in the center of each one. As the cookies baked in the oven, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe.

She told me that she had come across the recipe in an old cookbook that had been passed down to her from her grandmother. The recipe was a family favorite, and Margaret had been making these cookies for years. She explained that the combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries was simply irresistible, and I couldn't wait to try one for myself.

When the cookies were finally ready, Margaret placed a plate in front of me and urged me to take a bite. The first taste was pure bliss – the cookie was soft and chewy, with a burst of sweet cherry flavor in every bite. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these cookies myself.

Margaret was kind enough to write down the recipe for me, and she patiently walked me through each step. I was amazed at how simple the ingredients were – just butter, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, eggs, and of course, cherries. The secret, Margaret explained, was to use high-quality ingredients and lots of love.

I spent the rest of the afternoon baking a batch of Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies with Margaret by my side. It was a messy affair, with flour flying everywhere and sticky dough clinging to my fingers, but the end result was well worth it. The cookies turned out even better than I had imagined – perfectly shaped teddy bears with shiny cherry noses and chocolate chip eyes.

From that day on, Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, bake sales, and even just for myself when I needed a sweet pick-me-up. Each time I made a batch, I would think back to that sunny day in Margaret's kitchen and feel grateful for her friendship and generosity.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and a sprinkle of sea salt for a savory touch. I have also experimented with different types of cherries – fresh, dried, and even maraschino – to see how each one affects the flavor of the cookies.

But no matter how many variations I try, the Cheery Chocolate Teddy Bear Cookies always bring me back to that first moment of discovery. They remind me of the joy of sharing recipes and stories with friends, and the magic of turning simple ingredients into something truly special.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making these cookies as much as I have. Remember to take your time, savor each step, and most importantly, share them with loved ones. For a good recipe is meant to be shared, just like the memories that come with it. Happy baking!