ELVIS PUDDIN’ COOKIES RECIPE

Elvis Puddin’ Cookies: A Tribute to the King in Every Bite

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was known not just for his music but also for his unique taste in food. Among his favorites were peanut butter, bananas, and bacon. This Elvis Puddin’ Cookies recipe pays homage to his legendary palate, combining these beloved ingredients into a delightful dessert that’s sure to be a hit with fans of all ages. These cookies are a delectable mix of creamy peanut butter, sweet banana pudding, crispy bacon, and rich chocolate chips, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

The Allure of Elvis Puddin’ Cookies

Imagine a cookie that encapsulates the essence of Elvis Presley’s favorite flavors. The combination might seem unusual at first, but once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The creamy peanut butter provides a rich, nutty base, while the banana pudding adds a sweet and fruity twist. The bacon introduces a savory crunch, and the mini chocolate chips offer bursts of melty chocolate goodness. Each bite is a reminder of the King’s eccentric and delightful taste.

Ingredients

To make these Elvis Puddin’ Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

¾ cup butter, softened (1 ½ sticks)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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

Preparation Steps

1. Mixing the Dough

In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer. This step is crucial as it ensures that the sugars are fully integrated into the butter, creating a smooth and creamy mixture. Once combined, add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

2. Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and dry banana cream pudding mix. The pudding mix not only adds a delightful banana flavor but also contributes to the soft and chewy texture of the cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.

3. Adding the Special Ingredients

Once the dough is well-mixed, fold in the crumbled bacon and mini chocolate chips. The bacon adds a savory, crispy element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate chips and the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to solidify the fats, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and results in a thicker, chewier cookie.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (Silpat). Scoop or roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes, or until they are just beginning to set around the edges but still soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them; the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies

Store the cooled cookies in a covered container to maintain their freshness. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially those who appreciate the unique blend of flavors inspired by Elvis Presley. They make a great addition to any dessert table, potluck, or casual get-together.

Nutritional Information

Each Elvis Puddin’ Cookie contains approximately 144 calories, with 14 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the nutritional content:

Calories: 144 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 22mg
Sodium: 115mg
Potassium: 45mg
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 130 IU
Vitamin C: 0.03 mg
Calcium: 13 mg
Iron: 1 mg

It’s important to note that the nutritional information provided is an estimation based on the specific products used. Ingredients and nutritional values can vary significantly between brands, so always be sure to read labels and verify that a recipe meets your dietary needs.

Tips for Customizing Your Elvis Puddin’ Cookies

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. While the combination of peanut butter, banana pudding, bacon, and chocolate chips is delicious as-is, you can also experiment with different flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences.

Pudding Mix: While banana cream pudding is a nod to Elvis’s love for bananas, you can substitute with other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch for a different twist.
Add-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of Nutella for an extra layer of flavor.
Bacon: For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and still enjoy a delicious cookie. Alternatively, try using candied bacon for an added touch of sweetness.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Elvis Puddin’ Cookies are not only delicious on their own but also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and sides. Here are some ideas to enhance your cookie-eating experience:

Beverages

Milk: A classic pairing, milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies, providing a refreshing balance.
Coffee: The robust flavor of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon treat.
Hot Chocolate: For a truly indulgent experience, enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot chocolate. The creamy, chocolatey drink pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and banana flavors.
Milkshakes: Try blending up a peanut butter and banana milkshake to enjoy alongside your cookies for a decadent treat that pays homage to Elvis’s favorite sandwich combination.

Sides

Ice Cream: Serve your cookies with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Fruit: Fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or strawberries, provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add an extra touch of sweetness and make your cookie experience even more indulgent.

Storing and Freezing Tips

To ensure your Elvis Puddin’ Cookies remain fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Short-Term Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will keep them soft and chewy.

Freezing Cookies

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Here’s how:

Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals.
Layer and Wrap: Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Label and Store: Label the bag or container with the date and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Freezing Dough

You can also freeze the cookie dough to bake later:

Portion Dough: Scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
Freeze Until Firm: Freeze the dough balls until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label and Store: Label the bag or container with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Bake from Frozen: When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

The Legacy of Elvis-Inspired Recipes

Elvis Presley’s love for food was as legendary as his music. His favorite sandwich, made with peanut butter, banana, and bacon, has inspired countless recipes, including these Elvis Puddin’ Cookies. This recipe not only celebrates his culinary preferences but also brings a touch of nostalgia and fun to your kitchen.

Cooking with Kids

Elvis Puddin’ Cookies are a great recipe to make with children. Here are some tips for involving kids in the baking process:

Measuring Ingredients: Kids can help measure out the ingredients, teaching them basic math skills and the importance of precision in baking.
Mixing Dough: Let them mix the dough with a wooden spoon or their hands (with supervision), which can be a fun and sensory activity.
Shaping Cookies: Kids will enjoy rolling the dough into balls and placing them on the baking sheet.
Bacon Bits: If your children are old enough, they can help crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces.

Baking Variations

If you want to put your own spin on Elvis Puddin’ Cookies, consider these variations:

Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base, and use chocolate pudding mix instead of banana.
Nutty Delight: Substitute the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter, and add chopped nuts to the dough.
Fruit Twist: Mix in dried banana chips or dried fruit bits for an extra fruity flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Feedback and Sharing

Once you’ve baked a batch of Elvis Puddin’ Cookies, share them with friends, family, or co-workers and gather feedback. It’s always exciting to see how others enjoy your culinary creations. You can also share your baking experience and photos on social media using a catchy hashtag like #ElvisPuddinCookies or #BakingWithTheKing.

Conclusion

Elvis Puddin’ Cookies are a unique and flavorful tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. By combining peanut butter, banana pudding, bacon, and chocolate chips, this recipe captures the essence of Elvis’s eclectic tastes. Whether you’re a fan of his music or just looking for a new and exciting cookie recipe, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats, and remember, the King would certainly approve!