Why Settle for Basic? Boost Your Cookies with These Add-Ins

Chocolate chip cookies are great. But you know what’s better? Chocolate chip cookies that come with a surprise. A crunch here, a tangy hit there, maybe even a little spice—because life’s too short to keep baking the same cookie on repeat.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your go-to recipe or just clean out your pantry in a way that ends in dessert, here’s your guide to cookie add-ins—from the reliable classics to the “I can’t believe this works” crowd-pleasers.

The Usual (Still Worth It)

These are the ones you’ve probably had before—and for good reason. They work.

• Toasted Nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts): A crunch upgrade with buttery depth.

• Sea Salt Flakes: A little drama on top. If you’re not finishing your cookies with flaky salt, start.

• Peanut Butter Chips: Sweet, rich, and basically a cheat code if you’re into Reese’s energy.

• Oats: Adds chew, heartiness, and just enough fiber to convince yourself this counts as breakfast.

• Shredded Coconut: Brings sweetness and texture. Bonus points if it’s toasted.

The Plot Twists

These add-ins take your cookie from “nice” to “wait, what’s in this and why is it so good?”

• Crushed Potato Chips: Salty, crunchy, and unexpectedly perfect with melty chocolate.

• Chopped Candied Ginger: For a chewy, spicy-sweet bite that balances richness.

• Miso Paste (just a bit): Adds depth and umami without turning your cookie savory.

• Tahini: Earthy, slightly bitter, nutty—pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.

• Freeze-Dried Fruit (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries): Bright bursts of tartness and color without adding moisture.

• Espresso Powder: Enhances chocolate flavor and gives your cookie a subtle kick.

• Cereal (Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, even Cap’n Crunch): Brings nostalgia and color, especially in smaller batches.

• Cayenne or Chili Flakes: A gentle burn to follow the sweet. Great with dark chocolate or cinnamon.

A Few Smart Combos

If you’re ready to level up from solo acts to supporting casts, try:

• Dark chocolate + miso + sesame seeds

• Milk chocolate + potato chips + peanut butter drizzle

• White chocolate + freeze-dried strawberries + pistachios

• Espresso + dark chocolate + chopped hazelnuts

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You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—but you can throw a few fun things into the dough before you bake it. That’s the beauty of a chocolate chip cookie: it doesn’t ask much of you, and it can take almost anything you throw at it.

So next time you’re staring into your pantry at 9 p.m. looking for inspiration, consider this your permission to experiment. Your cookie deserves a little chaos.