Did you catch Ree Drummond on the Food Network this week? On a recent episode of The Pioneer Woman, Ree was in full swing preparing for football camp, whipping up a massive 120 sandwiches for hungry athletes. But the real star of the show, for those with a sweet tooth, were her incredible “Spreads” cookies. These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, perfect for any occasion, not just football camp!
Spreads Cookies (Pioneer Woman recipe)
For long-time fans of The Pioneer Woman, you might recognize Spreads as a beloved recipe of Ree’s family. As mentioned in her 2009 blog post, these cookies are a particular favorite of her older brother. The base is a simple yet satisfying cookie dough, taken to the next level with a generous topping of melted chocolate chips. While the original recipe is fantastic on its own, in this Pioneer Woman Episode From Today (or a recent episode!), Ree Drummond showcased how to truly customize these Spreads with a variety of fun toppings.
Spreads Cookies (Pioneer Woman recipe)
Inspired by the episode, I decided to try making these Spreads myself. Following Ree’s lead from The Pioneer Woman episode from today, I experimented with different toppings. For one version, I kept it classic with colorful candy sprinkles, adding a playful touch and extra sweetness that’s always a hit.
Spreads Cookies with colorful sprinkles topping
For another batch, I opted for Heath English Toffee Bits. If you’re a fan of toffee, these bits are a game-changer. They add a wonderful buttery, crunchy texture and a rich toffee flavor that complements the chocolate and cookie base perfectly. Ree herself is a fan of Heath bars, and these bits are a convenient way to incorporate that flavor. They are also fantastic in scones, as seen in this recipe.
Spreads Cookies with Heath English Toffee Bits topping
The beauty of Spreads lies in their simplicity. The dough is spreadable, much like a cookie dough, directly onto a baking sheet. After baking, you simply sprinkle chocolate chips on top while it’s still warm, let them soften, and then spread them evenly. It’s a truly “easy peasy” recipe, as Ree would say, making it ideal for busy bakers or when you need a quick dessert.
Easy steps for making Pioneer Woman Spreads Cookies
Once cooled, you can cut the Spreads into squares of any size. I found that chilling them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes beforehand makes cutting much cleaner and easier. On The Pioneer Woman episode I watched, Ree even demonstrated a “s’mores gone wild” version with graham crackers, marshmallows, M&Ms, and caramel – the topping possibilities are truly endless!
Cutting chilled Spreads Cookies into squares
Whether you’re baking for a crowd like Ree in The Pioneer Woman episode from today or just want a simple and satisfying treat, Spreads are a fantastic choice. You can find the original recipe on The Pioneer Woman’s blog from 2009 or on the Food Network website. Give them a try and get creative with your toppings!
Pioneer Woman Spreads Recipe (Inspired by the Food Network Episode)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 – 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, toffee bits, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, blending well and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, leaving a small margin from the edges.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot cookie base.
- Return to the oven for 1 minute to soften the chocolate chips.
- Remove from oven again and use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle your desired toppings over the melted chocolate.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before cutting for cleaner edges, if desired. Enjoy!
Instagram post about Pioneer Woman Spreads Cookies
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