There are few cookies that spark conversations and curious smiles quite like the Potato Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine the perfect interplay of buttery sweetness, light, tender crumb, and an irresistible salty crunch from real potato chips. This retro treat transforms an everyday snack into a delightfully unique dessert—one that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. If you adore surprising flavors and crave those little moments of culinary whimsy, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Potato Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its wonderfully simple ingredient lineup—each one there for a delicious reason! From creamy butter to crispy potato chips, every component adds its own flourish of flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or enticing golden hue.
- Butter: Provides a rich, melt-away base to the cookies; use it softened for the best creamy blend.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies achieve those slightly crisp edges.
- Brown Sugar: Brings warmth and moisture, lending the cookies their characteristic chew.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough and creates tender richness in every bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of sweet warmth; don’t skip this!
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for structure and light crumb in the cookies.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies achieve just the right rise and a lovely, soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and brings out the best in the sweet and salty combo.
- Crushed Plain Potato Chips: The signature salty crunch—use thick-cut or kettle chips for an unbeatable texture.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Adds a nutty depth and extra crunch if you love a bit of variety.
- Extra Crushed Potato Chips or Sugar (optional): For topping and a little extra sparkle or crisp finish.
How to Make Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures the cookies will bake up golden and delicious. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which not only makes for easy clean-up but also helps your cookies slide right off and get that gentle, even bake!
Step 2: Cream Your Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the blend becomes light and fluffy, a key step for cookie dough that bakes up airy and tender. This process lets the sugars dissolve into the butter, so every bite is full of flavor and the perfect hint of sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your fluffy butter-sugar blend. This will help bind the dough and develop those classic cookie aromas we all love. You want everything well-combined, but not overbeaten—just until smooth.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, stirring gently. Stop when everything is just combined—the magic is in not overmixing, so your cookies stay soft and light.
Step 5: Fold in the Potato Chips and Nuts
Here comes the fun: gently fold in the crushed potato chips and, if you’re into a bit of extra crunch, the chopped nuts. The goal is to keep those potato chips from getting too crushed, so don’t be overly vigorous. You want distinct bits throughout the cookies for that signature crunch.
Step 6: Shape and Top the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart (they’ll spread a little as they bake). Flatten each slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. If you like extra pizazz, sprinkle the tops with more crushed chips or a dusting of sugar for a delightful finish.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Watch for those edges to turn a warm golden color while the centers should still look just set—this means they’ll be perfectly chewy once cooled. Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them gently to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Potato Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
A final flourish goes a long way! Give your Potato Chip Cookies Recipe a playful touch by finishing with a sprinkle of extra crushed chips right after baking, or a dusting of sparkling sugar for an almost caramelized look. The contrast of sweet and salty is irresistible and will get everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or even a creamy latte for a classic combination. If you’re serving them at a gathering, add a platter of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—perfect accompaniments that let the cookies’ unique flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try nestling these cookies in a nostalgic cookie tin lined with colorful parchment for a retro vibe! For parties, stack them in mason jars as edible gifts, or create a cookie board with a mix of sweet and salty treats. However you serve them, this Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is guaranteed to surprise and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay delightfully crisp yet tender—just make sure the container is truly sealed so the potato chips retain their signature crunch and don’t go soft.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then place in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you’d like to refresh your Potato Chip Cookies Recipe, a quick 2–3 minutes in a 300°F oven will re-crisp the edges and warm the cookie through—just like fresh-baked. Allow to cool slightly before serving, and the chips will be perfectly crunchy once again.
FAQs
Can I use flavored potato chips instead of plain?
While plain chips are preferred to keep the flavor balanced, you can experiment with lightly salted kettle chips or even chips with a hint of black pepper. Avoid bold flavors or extra-greasy varieties as they can overpower or alter the taste of the classic Potato Chip Cookies Recipe.
Are these cookies really sweet and salty?
Absolutely—the magic of the Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is in the unexpected marriage of sweet, buttery dough and salty, crispy potato chips. Each bite delivers that perfect contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure your potato chips are also certified gluten-free, and your Potato Chip Cookies Recipe will taste just as delicious.
What kind of nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts are the top choices for their soft crunch and warm flavor, but feel free to use what you have on hand—or leave out nuts altogether if you want the cookies to be nut-free. The Potato Chip Cookies Recipe is super flexible!
Do the cookies stay crunchy after a day or two?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the cookies retain their crispy edges and signature crunch for several days. If they soften, you can reheat in the oven to refresh them—though they’re so tasty, it’s rare to have leftovers for long!
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully joyful about baking and sharing a batch of Potato Chip Cookies Recipe—every bite is a conversation starter and a celebration of beloved contrasts. If you love the playfulness of sweet and salty, don’t wait to try this recipe for yourself. Gather your simple ingredients, invite a friend, and let these cookies brighten your day!
Print
Potato Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, salty, and crunchy delight of Potato Chip Cookies. These buttery cookies with a twist are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a unique and delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Extras:
- 1½ cups crushed plain potato chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Extra crushed potato chips or sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix. Fold in crushed potato chips and nuts.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto baking sheets, flatten slightly, and top with more chips or sugar if desired. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use thick-cut or kettle-style chips for a better texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg