ELVIS PUDDIN’ COOKIES RECIPE

Elvis Puddin’ Cookies: A Treat Fit for the King

When you think of Elvis Presley, you probably imagine his iconic voice, his legendary performances, and his unforgettable style. But did you know that Elvis had quite the palate, particularly for indulgent and unique treats? One such creation inspired by his favorite flavors is the Elvis Puddin’ Cookies. These cookies are a delightful blend of peanut butter, banana pudding, bacon, and chocolate, coming together in a symphony of flavors that would make the King himself proud.

This recipe, crafted by Jamie Sherman, brings together the sweet and savory in a way that’s sure to please any Elvis fan or cookie lover. Let’s dive into the details of how you can create this rock ‘n’ roll dessert right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make these cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ¾ cup butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 box instant banana cream pudding (3.4 oz.)
• 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

These ingredients come together to create a unique blend of textures and flavors. The peanut butter and banana pudding add a creamy sweetness, while the bacon provides a salty, crunchy contrast, and the chocolate chips deliver that essential touch of decadence.

Instructions

1. Creaming the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until well combined. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, homogeneous mixture that will form the base of your cookies. The combination of butter and sugars should be light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated to help the cookies rise and maintain a soft texture.
2. Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Once your butter and sugar mixture is ready, add the eggs and vanilla. Mix well to ensure that these ingredients are fully integrated. The eggs add moisture and richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and dry pudding mix. The flour provides structure, the baking soda acts as a leavening agent, and the pudding mix introduces a unique flavor and texture. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
4. Incorporating Bacon and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the crumbled bacon and mini chocolate chips. This step is where the magic happens. The bacon should be cooked until crispy, then crumbled into small pieces. The chocolate chips should be evenly distributed throughout the dough to ensure each bite contains a bit of chocolatey goodness.
5. Chilling the Dough: Cover the bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential as it helps solidify the fats, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Baking the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking. Scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
7. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the cookies set properly and develop their final texture.

Notes and Tips

• Pudding Variations: While banana cream pudding is used in this recipe to pay homage to Elvis’s love of peanut butter and bananas, you can experiment with other pudding flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, or even butterscotch could add a new twist to these cookies.
• Bacon Tips: For best results, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it’s extra crispy. This will help it stand up to the other textures in the cookie and ensure it adds a satisfying crunch.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately 144 calories, with 14g of carbohydrates, 3g of protein, and 9g of fat. Keep in mind that these values are estimations and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. It’s always a good idea to check the nutritional information of the products you use to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Why These Cookies Are a Hit

The combination of flavors in Elvis Puddin’ Cookies is what makes them truly special. The peanut butter provides a rich, nutty base that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the banana pudding. The addition of bacon brings a salty, smoky element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet ingredients, while the chocolate chips add just the right amount of indulgence.

Moreover, these cookies are a fun and unexpected treat. They capture the essence of Elvis’s favorite foods in a way that’s modern and accessible. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just a cookie enthusiast, these treats are sure to become a favorite in your household.