Pillsbury Double Stack Cookies

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm cookie straight from the oven, especially when it’s packed with gooey chocolate and stacked with layers of softness. These Pillsbury Double Stack Cookies bring that comfort in the most satisfying way. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s golden on the outside and irresistibly soft in the center, with melted chocolate swirling through every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a craving you know the one, where a regular cookie just isn’t enough. I wanted something richer, thicker, and more indulgent. After a few trials and plenty of chocolate chip sampling, the double stack cookie was perfected. It layers cookie dough in a way that feels homemade and luxurious, yet it’s made simple with a little help from Pillsbury.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cookies have been a staple in American baking since the early 1900s, but the idea of stacking cookie dough for an extra-thick treat? That’s a more modern twist. Inspired by bakery-style cookies that are thick and gooey, the double stack version mimics that texture using a store-bought base, making it accessible to every home baker. Pillsbury dough offers consistency and ease, perfect for busy days or quick dessert fixes.

Why You’ll Love Pillsbury Double Stack Cookies

These cookies hit all the right notes texture, flavor, convenience, and a bit of wow factor.

Versatile: Perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or dessert tables.

Budget-Friendly: Uses just a few ingredients, mostly from the pantry or fridge.

Quick and Easy: No chilling time or complicated mixing, just stack, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Add peanut butter chips, white chocolate, or even a caramel center.

Crowd-Pleasing: Thick, soft, and packed with chocolate everyone loves them.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep and freeze dough stacks in advance.

Great for Leftovers: They stay soft for days and can even be microwaved for that fresh-out-the-oven feel.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Making bakery-style cookies at home is easier than you think when you’ve got the right tricks up your sleeve.

1. Stack Strategically: Use two layers of dough with a small piece of chocolate or chips in the middle to ensure a gooey center.
2. Line with Parchment: Prevents over-browning and helps with even baking.
3. Watch the Oven: Bake just until the edges are golden and the center looks set but soft.
4. Cool on the Sheet: Let the cookies sit on the tray for 5–7 minutes before transferring to keep them from falling apart.
5. Use Room Temperature Dough: Helps the layers meld better and rise evenly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy just a few basics from your kitchen.

Baking Sheet: A flat tray gives the cookies room to spread.

Parchment Paper: Keeps the bottoms golden and cleanup easy.

Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps portion the dough evenly.

Oven Mitts: Safety first when pulling that hot tray out.

Cooling Rack: Lets the cookies firm up without steaming on the tray.

Ingredients in Pillsbury Double Stack Cookies

Each ingredient plays a delicious role in the soft, thick texture and sweet flavor of these cookies.

1. Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: 1 roll (16.5 oz) – The base dough that brings ease and flavor.
2. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup – Melts into gooey pockets of sweetness.
3. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
4. Sea Salt (optional): A pinch – Balances the sweetness and elevates the chocolate.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are easy swaps.

Pillsbury Dough: Use any refrigerated cookie dough brand.
Semi-Sweet Chips: Swap for dark, milk, or white chocolate chips.
Vanilla Extract: Use almond extract for a nutty twist.
Sea Salt: Try flaky salt or skip it entirely if you prefer pure sweetness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chocolate Chips: These are the heart of the cookie, melting into ribbons of chocolatey goodness. Choose high-quality chips for the best flavor.

Pillsbury Dough: Convenient and consistent, this dough is your shortcut to perfect cookies every time.

Instructions for Making Pillsbury Double Stack Cookies

Ready to bake? Let’s stack some dough and fill the kitchen with the smell of warm cookies.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix the cookie dough with extra chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Place small scoops of dough on the parchment-lined tray. Flatten slightly, then top with another scoop to create a double layer.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Gently press the top and bottom dough together around the edges, sealing in any extra chips in the center.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   If using sea salt, sprinkle a pinch over the cookies right after baking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temp.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are thick, soft, and chewy with crispy edges. The double stack technique ensures a gooey center, while the added chips make every bite decadent. Vanilla adds warmth, and the salt brings balance. It’s cookie heaven, truly.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few ways to level up your cookie game.

• Don’t overbake. The cookies should look a little soft in the center when you pull them out.
• Use a cookie scoop. This helps keep all the stacks even in size.
• Add chips in the middle. A secret center of chocolate always impresses.
• Cool before moving. These cookies are soft when hot and need time to set.

What to Avoid

A few small mistakes can take your cookies from wow to meh. Here’s how to steer clear.

• Overbaking: Leads to dry, crumbly cookies instead of soft ones.
• Skipping parchment: Can result in overly browned bottoms.
• Uneven stacking: Might cause some cookies to bake unevenly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can shape and freeze the dough stacks ahead of time. Just bake from frozen with an extra 2–3 minutes. Once baked, store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For that warm-from-the-oven taste, microwave for 10 seconds before serving. These cookies also freeze beautifully once baked.

How to Serve Pillsbury Double Stack Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own or alongside a glass of cold milk. For an extra treat, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two and make your own cookie sandwich. They also make lovely gifts tied in cellophane with ribbon.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extras? You’ve got options.

• Crumble over ice cream for an instant sundae.
• Layer into a parfait with whipped cream and berries.
• Use as a crust for mini cheesecakes or pie bars.

Additional Tips

• Warm the cookies in the oven for 5 minutes before serving guests.
• Add a dash of cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist.
• Press a few chips on top of each dough stack for extra visual appeal.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is key when serving these cookies.

• Stack them on a tiered cake stand for a bakery-style look.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for elegance.
• Wrap in parchment with twine for a rustic gift feel.

Variations to Try

Here’s how you can remix this recipe and keep it exciting.

• S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in peanut butter chips or a dollop of peanut butter between layers.
• Red Velvet: Use red velvet cookie dough and white chocolate chips.
• Spiced Fall Cookies: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and chunks of apple.
• Chocolate Explosion: Mix dark, milk, and white chips for a triple hit.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use homemade cookie dough?

Yes, just make sure it’s firm enough to hold the double stack shape.

Q2: How do I store these cookies?

In an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days.

Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. Freeze pre-stacked dough balls and bake from frozen.

Q4: What makes them “double stack”?

They’re made with two scoops of dough stacked together for extra thickness.

Q5: Can I add nuts?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans work great.

Q6: Can I reduce the sugar?

Since Pillsbury dough is pre-sweetened, you can’t reduce it, but pair with dark chocolate to balance.

Q7: Can I bake these in a toaster oven?

Yes, just adjust baking time and keep an eye on the browning.

Q8: What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

You can skip it or use almond extract instead.

Q9: Can I make mini versions?

Yes, just use smaller scoops and reduce baking time.

Q10: How do I know they’re done?

Edges should be golden, and centers should look just set.

Conclusion

Pillsbury Double Stack Cookies are your answer to bakery-style indulgence at home. They’re easy, fun, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you bake them for a special treat or a casual snack, one thing’s for sure they’re worth every bite.

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