Homemade Hide and Seek Cookies – A Perfect Blend of Crumbly and Crunchy!
If you love the famous Hide and Seek Cookies, this homemade version will win you over! These delightful cookies combine a crumbly shortbread exterior with a rich chocolate-filled center, giving you the perfect balance of textures. They’re buttery, slightly crisp, and incredibly indulgent, making them ideal for dunking in milk or coffee.
With a delicious chocolate strand hidden inside, every bite is a delightful surprise! The best part? This recipe is simple, fun to make, and uses basic pantry ingredients.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making these Homemade Hide and Seek Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Two textures in one – Buttery shortbread with a crunchy chocolate core.
✔ Perfect for dipping – Enjoy with milk, coffee, or tea.
✔ Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method.
✔ Fun to bake – The hidden chocolate filling adds a playful element.
✔ Better than store-bought – Fresh, homemade, and free from preservatives.
Ingredients for Homemade Hide and Seek Cookies
For the Shortbread Dough:
- 400g all-purpose flour (00 flour) – Provides structure and tenderness.
- 170g cornstarch – Ensures a light and delicate texture.
- 250g sugar – Adds the perfect level of sweetness.
- 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 130ml milk – Makes the dough soft and pliable.
- 180g butter (softened) – Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10-12g) – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 20g unsweetened cocoa powder – For deep chocolate flavor.
- 20g dark chocolate (finely chopped) – Adds crunch and melts beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hide and Seek Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a whisk or electric mixer until light and creamy. This step helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Milk
- Add the egg and mix well.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder together.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough begins to form.
- Once it gets too thick to mix with a spoon, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it by hand until smooth and non-sticky.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 40 minutes. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Dough
- Take 1/3 of the chilled dough and place it in a separate bowl.
- Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and chopped dark chocolate to this portion.
- Knead until the cocoa is fully incorporated, creating a rich, chocolatey dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Logs
- Roll the chocolate dough into thin strands (about 1 cm thick).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain shortbread dough to a 5mm thickness using a rolling pin.
Step 7: Wrap the Chocolate Filling
- Cut the white dough into rectangles long enough to wrap around the chocolate strands.
- Place a chocolate strand along the longest edge of a rectangle and roll it up, ensuring the edges are sealed well.
- Repeat the process until all chocolate strands are wrapped.
Step 8: Chill the Logs Again
- Place the rolled dough logs back into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This firms them up for easy slicing.
Step 9: Slice and Shape the Cookies
- Remove the logs from the fridge and cut them into 5 cm pieces.
- Use a fork to press down lightly on the top of each cookie, creating classic ridges.
Step 10: Bake Until Golden
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring space between each piece.
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 11: Cool & Enjoy!
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving. Enjoy them as-is or dipped in milk, coffee, or hot chocolate!
How to Store & Keep Hide and Seek Cookies Fresh
Short-Term Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze unbaked dough logs: Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, slice and bake directly from frozen.
- Freeze baked cookies: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
Want to put your own spin on these cookies? Here are some fun ideas!
✔ White Chocolate Twist – Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate.
✔ Nutty Delight – Add finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the chocolate filling.
✔ Coconut Flavor – Mix desiccated coconut into the shortbread dough for a tropical twist.
✔ Spiced Chocolate – Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the cocoa dough for a warm, spicy kick.
Perfect Pairings:
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk.
- Serve with hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches!
FAQs – Tips for the Best Homemade Hide and Seek Cookies
1. Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
2. Can I make these cookies without cocoa?
Yes! You can leave out the cocoa and just use chocolate chunks inside for a milder chocolate flavor.
3. How do I get a uniform shape?
Rolling the dough evenly and cutting consistent slices ensures even baking and a professional look.
4. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier flavor, while dark chocolate adds a deeper richness.
Final Thoughts – Why You Should Try This Recipe
These Homemade Hide and Seek Cookies are a delightful mix of crumbly shortbread and crunchy chocolate filling, making them an irresistible treat for kids and adults alike.
They’re easy to make, fun to shape, and perfect for dunking, making them ideal for tea-time, snacks, or even gifting.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your cookie creations on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook for more full-written recipes and baking tutorials!
Happy Baking!
You may also like :
