There’s something exciting about snacks that blend comfort with a little mystery, and that’s exactly what the new Stranger Things Chips Ahoy cookie delivers. But if you missed the limited drop or just love making things from scratch, this Copycat Chips Ahoy Stranger Things Cookie is for you. Imagine a soft chocolate cookie that hides a red strawberry core, just like a Rift opening in Hawkins. With gooey fudge chips and chewy centers, they’re dramatic, fun, and surprisingly easy to make. These cookies are a tribute to every Stranger Things fan who loves their desserts with a twist.
Table of Contents
How to make Copycat Chips Ahoy Stranger Things Cookie
These cookies start with a rich cocoa base and are filled with a vibrant strawberry jam that peeks through the top like a portal from another world. The red center is gooey, not too sweet, and balances perfectly with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. You chill the dough, stuff each cookie by hand, and bake until the edges are set and the tops are matte. Crack one open and you’ll see why they’re a social media favorite.

Yield: 18 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per cookie: 140
Macros per cookie: 6 g fat, 20 g carbs, 12 g sugar, 2 g protein
Ingredients, tools, instructions and tips
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Rift filling:
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Tools
- Stand or hand mixer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- 1-inch cookie scoop
- Wire rack
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
- Make the strawberry filling
In a small saucepan, stir together jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Simmer for two minutes until thick. Cool, then refrigerate so it firms up. - Mix the dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. - Cream the butter and sugars
In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. - Combine and add chocolate chips
Add dry ingredients in two additions, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. - Stuff the cookies
Scoop dough and flatten slightly. Add ½ teaspoon chilled jam into the center. Fold dough around the filling and seal. Poke a few tiny holes on top so the filling peeks through while baking. - Chill
Place stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined tray. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. - Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 11–13 minutes until edges are set. Cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips
- Don’t skip chilling the filling. It prevents leaking during baking.
- For a dramatic look, press 2–3 extra chocolate chips into the top before baking.
- If you want gooier centers, slightly underbake by a minute.
What to serve with Copycat Chips Ahoy Stranger Things Cookie
These cookies are bold, gooey, and sweet with a fruity surprise. Pair them with sides and drinks that either match the vibe or tone it down.
Fruity, cool contrasts
Fresh Strawberry Slices with Mint
Fresh berries tossed with mint and a touch of lime juice echo the jam center and refresh the palate.
Lemon Yogurt Parfait
Tangy lemon yogurt layered with graham crumbs adds brightness and crunch that balances the soft cookie.
Cozy drink pairings
Cold Brew or Iced Latte
The bitter coffee cuts through the richness of the cookie without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Strawberry Lemonade Sparkler
Combine lemonade with soda water and a splash of strawberry syrup for a vibrant, refreshing drink.
Fun sides for a themed dessert plate
Pretzel Thins
Their salty crunch contrasts the cookie’s chew and fudge. A great palate cleanser.
Popcorn Drizzled with White Chocolate
Light and crisp with a bit of sweetness, these balance well with the heavier cookie and add a movie-night vibe.
Ingredient substitutes
- Cookie Dough Base
Original Ingredient: Unsweetened cocoa powder
Substitutes:
- Carob powder: Slightly milder, caffeine-free alternative
- Dutch-processed cocoa: For deeper flavor and darker color
- Butter
Original Ingredient: Unsalted butter
Substitutes:
- Vegan butter: Works great for dairy-free versions
- Coconut oil: Adds a slight tropical note, great texture
- Strawberry Jam
Original Ingredient: Store-bought strawberry jam
Substitutes:
- Raspberry jam: Tangier but similar color
- Homemade berry compote: Use fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice simmered until thick
- Egg
Original Ingredient: One whole egg and one yolk
Substitutes:
- Flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax with 3 tbsp water, great for vegans
- Applesauce: ¼ cup per egg, adds moisture and reduces fat
- Chocolate Chips
Original Ingredient: Semi-sweet chips
Substitutes:
- Milk chocolate chips: For a sweeter flavor
- Chopped dark chocolate: Richer and less sweet
- Granulated Sugar
Original Ingredient: White sugar
Substitutes:
- Coconut sugar: Slightly caramel flavor and lower glycemic index
- Monk fruit sweetener: Low-calorie but needs quantity adjustments

Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Rift Filling:
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
<ol> <li> <strong>Make the strawberry filling</strong><br> In a small saucepan, stir together jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Simmer for two minutes until thick. Cool, then refrigerate so it firms up. </li> <li> <strong>Mix the dry ingredients</strong><br> In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. </li> <li> <strong>Cream the butter and sugars</strong><br> In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. </li> <li> <strong>Combine and add chocolate chips</strong><br> Add dry ingredients in two additions, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. </li> <li> <strong>Stuff the cookies</strong><br> Scoop dough and flatten slightly. Add ½ teaspoon chilled jam into the center. Fold dough around the filling and seal. Poke a few tiny holes on top so the filling peeks through while baking. </li> <li> <strong>Chill</strong><br> Place stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined tray. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. </li> <li> <strong>Bake</strong><br> Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 11–13 minutes until edges are set. Cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. </li> </ol>