Magic Cookies (The Easiest Cookie Recipe Ever!)
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Magic cookies are a type of flourless chocolate chip cookie, except they’re not your average chocolate chip cookie – they’re packed with shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and walnuts – definitely a treat with amazing flavors and textural bliss. These cookies are totally delicious, incredibly easy to make, and most importantly, kid-approved. So, gather 6 simple ingredients and let’s make magic happen!
My kids are cookie monsters, so I regularly bake a fresh batch from scratch to make sure that our cookie jar at home is never empty. From simple chocolate chip cookies and festive hot chocolate cookies to unique-flavored ones like matcha sugar cookies and dirty chai earthquake cookies, our home is a haven for cookie lovers. Their newest favorite? Magic cookies!
They’re called “magic cookies” because of the way they come together with seemingly simple ingredients but transform into something amazing – reflecting the magical mix of textures and flavors that typically feature a combination of sweet, chewy, and crunchy elements. And I know everyone will agree that the “magic” also refers to how easy they are to make!
Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for an after-school snack, need a last-minute dessert for a gathering, or just craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, these cookies are always a winner. However you make them, one thing’s for sure: these cookies will vanish from the plate in no time, just like magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy recipe: Simply make the batter, chill, bake, and serve.
- Quick baking time: With a short bake time, you’ll be enjoying fresh cookies straight from the oven in 10 minutes or less.
- Basic ingredients: All you need are 6 simple ingredients to make this epic sweet treat.
- Texture explosion: Enjoy the perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and crunchy textures that will keep you reaching for more.
- Endlessly customizable: This is a nice base recipe to make more magic – switch up the mix-ins, add more fruits, nuts, and crisps, or drizzle on some chocolate or caramel. Make these cookies as simple or as loaded as you like!
- Year-round treat: Whether it’s a cozy night in, a party treat, or a school bake sale, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Magic Cookies
These magic cookies are a no-fuss, all flavor sweet treat that’s so easy even kids can make them. The hardest part is waiting for the dough to chill, but it’s important so that the dough can firm up and not spread too much during baking, leading to chewier and more flavorful cookies!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Sugar
- Egg yolks: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough to create the perfect chewy texture.
- Butter: I use melted butter for better incorporation. Forgot to take it out of the fridge? Learn how to soften butter so you can melt it quicker!
- Shredded coconut: I use unsweetened shredded coconut. For an extra burst of coconut flavor, consider toasting the shredded coconut before mixing it into the dough.
- Chocolate chips: Use whatever chocolate chips you like – milk, dark, white, or a combination of multiple types.
- Walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch to the cookies!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making a cookie from scratch may seem daunting, but this recipe will change your mind. In fact, it’s so easy that I only ever make this with my kids – they love making their own version and adding their favorite mix-ins! Follow the 3 simple steps below to start making the magic cookies of your dreams!
Step 1: Make and chill the batter
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Add the egg yolks and melted butter to a mixing bowl and whisk together. Dump in the remaining dry ingredients and stir gently until well combined.
Cover the bowl and chill the batter for at least 30 minutes until the batter is firm enough to scoop.
Step 2: Bake
Use a cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon to make approximately 20 round balls. Arrange each one evenly on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden-brown.
Step 3: Cool and serve
Remove from the sheet and place on a cooling rack to cool. If they are too soft to remove from the sheet upon taking them out from the oven, return back to the oven for another minute or two.
Substitutions
I make magic cookies a lot (and so will you), so I like to switch it up once in a while for added fun. I recommend that you stick to the ingredients list if it’s your first time, but feel free to substitute with what you have on hand if they’re unavailable. Try these easy swap-ins:
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil, margarine, or vegan butter as a dairy-free alternative.
- Shredded coconut: Replace with chopped dried fruit such as apricots or cranberries.
- Chocolate chips: If you don’t have chocolate chips, substitute with chopped chocolate of your choice. Butterscotch or peanut butter chips also make great substitutes.
- Walnuts: Substitute with your favorite nuts. Chopped pecans, almonds, and macadamia nuts are ideal options.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Your cookies are only as good as the ingredients you use! Use real chocolate chips or chunks for maximum flavor. Trust me, you’ll be able to taste the difference.
- Don’t overbake: Bake the cookies just until they’re set around the edges. They may seem soft when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will dry out the cookies, and you will lose their soft, chewy texture.
- Go nuts (or not): Walnuts add great crunch, but if you’re nut-free, try pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar texture without allergens.
- Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop is definitely one of the handiest kitchen gadgets, especially if you love to bake. For uniform cookies that bake evenly, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Customize the flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a bit of orange zest to give your magic cookies a unique twist.
How to Store This Recipe
Place cookies in an airtight container or ziploc bag and store at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the freezer for up to 1 month. Enjoy them straight out of the fridge or let them come to room temperature before consuming.
What to Serve with Magic Cookies
Magic cookies make an excellent snack, lunchbox treat, or after-dinner dessert. I often bring it to picnics, too! Pair them with your favorite hot or cold drinks – they’re delicious with milk, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. From a cold brew coffee to a warm cup of matcha tea, these cookies taste like magic whatever you pair them with!
More Easy Dessert Recipes To Try
- Peanut butter brownies from mix
- Chocolate fudge cake
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Red velvet cake
- Dirty chai earthquake cookies
6-Ingredient Magic Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
- Add the egg yolks and melted butter to a mixing bowl and whisk together. Dump in the remaining dry ingredients and stir gently until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and chill the batter for at least 30 minutes until the batter is firm enough to scoop.
- Use a cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon to make approximately 20 round balls. Arrange each one evenly on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden-brown.
- Remove from the sheet and place on a cooling rack to cool. If they are too soft to remove from the sheet upon taking them out from the oven, return back to the oven for another minute or two.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients: Your cookies are only as good as the ingredients you use! Use real chocolate chips or chunks for maximum flavor. Trust me, you’ll be able to taste the difference.
- Don’t overbake: Bake the cookies just until they’re set around the edges. They may seem soft when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Over-baking will dry out the cookies and you will lose their soft, chewy texture.
- Go nuts (or not): Walnuts add great crunch, but if you’re nut-free, try pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar texture without allergens.
- Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop is definitely one of the handiest kitchen gadgets, especially if you love to bake. For uniform cookies that bake evenly, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Customize the flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a bit of orange zest to give your magic cookies a unique twist.
