Hello, Good News! If you are a fan of the famous Penn Station cookies, you might be wondering how to recreate them at home. These cookies are known for their large size, soft and chewy texture, and decadent chocolate flavor. They are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you want to indulge yourself or share them with your loved ones.
In this article, we will show you how to make the best Penn Station cookies at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your cookies even more delicious and authentic. Plus, we will answer some of the most common questions about Penn Station cookies and their history. So, let’s get started!
What Are Penn Station Cookies?
Penn Station cookies are a popular dessert item from the Penn Station deli and bakery chain. Penn Station is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in hot grilled subs, fresh-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. It was founded in 1985 by Jeff Osterfeld in Cincinnati, Ohio[^1^]. Today, it has over 300 locations across 15 states[^2^].
One of the most iconic items on the Penn Station menu is their chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are made with premium ingredients, such as Callebaut Belgian chocolate, real butter, and pure vanilla extract[^3^]. They are baked fresh every day in each store and served warm and gooey. Each cookie is about 4 ounces in weight and 4 inches in diameter[^4^]. They are so popular that Penn Station sells over 20 million cookies per year[^5^].
Why Are Penn Station Cookies So Good?
There are many reasons why Penn Station cookies are so good. Here are some of them:
- They use high-quality chocolate. Callebaut Belgian chocolate is one of the finest chocolates in the world, made with 100% pure cocoa butter and natural vanilla[^6^]. It has a rich and smooth flavor that melts in your mouth. Penn Station uses both dark and milk chocolate chunks in their cookies, creating a balanced and satisfying taste.
- They use real butter and vanilla. Butter adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough, while vanilla enhances the flavor and aroma of the chocolate. Both ingredients also help create a crispy exterior and a soft interior for the cookies.
- They use self-rising flour. Self-rising flour is a type of flour that already contains baking powder and salt. It helps the cookies rise and spread evenly in the oven, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- They bake them fresh every day. Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked cookies, especially when they are still warm from the oven. Penn Station bakes their cookies throughout the day, ensuring that they are always soft and chewy. They also use a special oven that circulates hot air around the cookies, creating a uniform browning and baking.
How to Make Penn Station Cookies at Home?
If you want to make Penn Station cookies at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 3/4 cup of white sugar
- 1 cup of Callebaut Belgian dark chocolate
- 1 cup of Callebaut Belgian milk chocolate
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of melted butter to grease the cookie sheet
To make the cookies, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F to 425°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and baking soda. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, mix the vanilla with the melted butter. Then break up the chocolate into small pieces with your hand or melt it slowly in your microwave oven for 45 seconds at medium power until melted or completely blended. Do not over melt it, or you will have chopped chocolate pieces all over your cookie sheet.
- Add the eggs to the melted chocolate and mix well.
- Pour your chocolate mixture into the flour mixture and stir it a couple of times.
- Spoon the cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but remember that they will spread in the oven.
- Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies and how crispy or gooey you want them to be.
- Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in plastic bags (to keep fresh) for later use.
Enjoy your Penn Station cookies!
How to Make Different Variations of Penn Station Cookies?
If you want to make different variations of Penn Station cookies, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some ideas:
White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies
If you love the combination of white chocolate and cranberries, you can make these cookies by replacing the dark and milk chocolate with white chocolate and adding 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the cookie dough. You can also add some orange zest for a citrusy touch.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies
If you are a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, you can make these cookies by adding 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate mixture and stirring well. You can also use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for a more intense peanut flavor.
Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies
If you prefer oatmeal and raisin cookies, you can make these cookies by reducing the flour to 1 1/2 cups and adding 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats to the flour mixture. You can also add 1/2 cup of raisins or other dried fruits to the cookie dough.
Double Chocolate Cookies
If you are a chocolate lover, you can make these cookies by adding 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour mixture and using only dark chocolate chunks in the cookie dough. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
Nutella and Hazelnut Cookies
If you like Nutella and hazelnuts, you can make these cookies by adding 1/4 cup of Nutella to the melted chocolate mixture and stirring well. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts to the cookie dough for some crunch.
Nutrition Facts of Penn Station Cookies
Penn Station cookies are delicious, but they are also high in calories, fat, sugar, and carbs. Therefore, you should enjoy them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Here is a table that shows the nutrition facts of one Penn Station cookie (4 ounces):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 560 | 28% |
| Fat | 28 g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g | 85% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 300 mg | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 72 g | 24% |
| Fiber | 4 g | 16% |
| Sugar | 44 g | – |
| Protein | 8 g | 16% |
| *Based on a 2000-calorie diet. | ||
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn Station Cookies
No, Penn Station cookies are not vegan. They contain eggs, butter, and milk chocolate, which are all animal products. If you want to make vegan Penn Station cookies, you will need to use vegan substitutes for these ingredients, such as flax eggs, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate.
No, Penn Station cookies are not gluten-free. They contain wheat flour, which is a source of gluten. If you want to make gluten-free Penn Station cookies, you will need to use a gluten-free flour blend or your favorite gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or oat flour.
Penn Station cookies can lastfor about 3 to 5 days at room temperature, or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you want to enjoy them again.
One Penn Station cookie (4 ounces) has about 560 calories, according to the nutrition facts table above. This is equivalent to about 28% of the daily calorie intake for an average adult. Therefore, you should limit your consumption of Penn Station cookies and balance them with other nutritious foods.
Penn Station cookies were created by Jeff Osterfeld, the founder of Penn Station. He wanted to offer a dessert item that would complement the hot grilled subs and fresh-cut fries on the menu. He experimented with different recipes and ingredients until he found the perfect combination of chocolate, butter, and vanilla. He also decided to make the cookies large and soft, unlike the typical small and crunchy cookies. He named them Penn Station cookies after the restaurant chain and started selling them in 1986. Since then, they have become one of the most popular items on the menu and a favorite among customers.
You can buy Penn Station cookies at any Penn Station location near you. You can also order them online through their website or app, or through third-party delivery services, such as DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats. You can choose to buy them individually or in packs of 4, 8, or 12. You can also customize your order by adding toppings, such as whipped cream, ice cream, or sprinkles.
Yes, you can make Penn Station cookies without an oven. You can use a microwave, a stovetop, or an air fryer instead. Here are some methods you can try:
- Microwave: Place a small amount of cookie dough on a microwave-safe plate and flatten it slightly. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until the cookie is cooked through. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Stovetop: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with some butter. Drop a tablespoon of cookie dough onto the skillet and flatten it slightly. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden and firm. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with some cooking spray. Place some cookie dough balls on the basket and flatten them slightly. Air fry for about 10 minutes or until crisp and golden. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Yes, you can make Penn Station cookies healthier by making some substitutions or adjustments to the ingredients and portions. Here are some suggestions:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for more fiber and nutrients.
- Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar and brown sugar for less refined sweeteners.
- Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter for healthier fats.
- Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content instead of milk chocolate for more antioxidants and less sugar.
- Add some nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the cookie dough for more protein and vitamins.
- Make smaller cookies instead of large ones for better portion control.
Yes, you can make Penn Station cookies with other types of chocolate, such as white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, or mint chocolate. You can also use chocolate chips, chocolate bars, or chocolate wafers instead of chocolate chunks. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly, as different types of chocolate have different levels of sweetness.
Yes, you can freeze Penn Station cookie dough for later use. You can either freeze the whole batch of dough in a freezer bag or container, or freeze individual balls of dough on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To bake frozen cookie dough, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual, or bake it directly from frozen by adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Here are some tips to make perfect Penn Station cookies:
- Use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients accurately and consistently.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and texture.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking to prevent spreading and improve flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop to make uniform and evenly sized cookies.
- Do not overbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook and harden on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving them.
Conclusion
Penn Station cookies are one of the most delicious and satisfying desserts you can have. They are large, soft, and chewy, with a rich chocolate flavor and a crispy crust. You can make them at home with simple ingredients and easy steps, or buy them from any Penn Station location near you. You can also make different variations of Penn Station cookies by changing the ingredients and flavors, or make them healthier by making some substitutions or adjustments. You can also freeze the cookie dough for later use, or reheat the cookies in the oven or microwave for a warm and gooey treat.
We hope you enjoyed this article about Penn Station cookies and learned how to make them at home. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, and check out our other articles for more interesting and informative topics. Thank you for reading!