Aunt Eileen’s Cookies is a timeless classic that has been tweaked and modified over the years by everyone! Christmas Butter Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies… All variations of Eileen’s cookies!
However, we will only be focusing on the cookie version most loved by Eileen and her family (the recipe below). Eileen’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies are a direct result of her family’s baking!
All of these cookies are soft and cake-like in texture with chewiness from the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and Hershey Candy Kisses!!! These cookies truly represent a treasured family recipe!
What Is Aunt Eileen’s Cookie and How Does It Taste?
These cookies taste like the perfect mix of cakey and chewy, with soft, fluffy centers and melty pockets of chocolate.
You’ll love how each bite has a mix of semi-sweet chips and colorful M&Ms, plus a Hershey’s Kiss right on top. From our experience, this recipe always bakes up beautifully, holds its shape, and brings that warm, homemade bakery feel.
Ingredients Required for Aunt Eileen’s Cookie Recipe
Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Aunt Eileen’s Cookie
- 3 heaping cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 jumbo eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
- 1½ cups M&Ms (any color mix)
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Hershey’s Kisses (for topping)
Kitchen Utensils Required
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Mixing & Scooping: 10 minutes
Copycat Aunt Eileen’s Cookie Recipe
Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Aunt Eileen’s Cookie in a delicious way.
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla using a mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy-almost like the texture of whipped marshmallow.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Using a low speed setting, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients to avoid spilling flour.
6. Fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips; mix just until combined.
7. Use a small cookie scoop to drop cookie dough onto prepared pan, keeping dough balls intact (do NOT flatten).
8. Bake for 9 minutes before removing from the oven.
9. While still warm, press a Hershey’s Kiss onto each cookie top.
10. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack; eat warm or after completely cooled.
Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Aunt Eileen’s Cookie
Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Aunt Eileen’s Cookie deliciously
1. With our El Pollo Loco Chicken
We love serving this rice with our own El Pollo Loco–style chicken. The smoky, citrus flavor of the chicken and the warm, cozy rice taste perfect together.
2. With Our Website’s El Pollo Loco Rice
When we make a big meal, we often cook both versions of our rice recipes from the site. Mixing them together adds extra layers of flavor that we enjoy a lot.
3. Inside Burritos
We’ve wrapped this rice in warm tortillas with chicken and beans, and it always tastes like a restaurant-style burrito at home.
4. With Grilled Veggies
We like to spoon this rice next to grilled peppers, onions, and zucchini. The sweetness from the veggies makes the rice taste even better.
5. As a Side for Tacos
On taco night, we always put a bowl of this rice on the table. It fills the meal out and makes everything feel more complete.
6. With Rotisserie Chicken
When we’re short on time, we grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. This rice turns it into a full dinner fast.
7. In a Chicken Rice Bowl
Sometimes we build bowls with rice, chicken, salsa, and avocado. It feels like something you’d order from a fresh Mex restaurant.
8. In Stuffed Peppers (with a Hawaiian twist)
We’ve stuffed bell peppers with this rice, chicken, and cheese, and it turns into a whole new meal. Sometimes we pair it with our Hawaiian Bros Pasta Salad Recipe on the side, and the combo feels bright, fun, and super tasty.
My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Aunt Eileen’s Cookie Recipe
I love making this El Pollo Loco Rice at home. The smell fills my kitchen and it always makes me smile. Every time I cook it, my family rushes to the table because they know it tastes warm, cozy, and a little like eating at our favorite spot. It always turns out great.
Tips
1. Wash your rice so it cooks fluffy.
2. Let the rice dry a little before cooking.
3. Use warm broth so the rice cooks even.
4. Do not stir the rice too much. It gets mushy.
5. Let the rice rest with the lid on. It helps the texture.
6. Taste the rice at the end and add a pinch of salt if you need it.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Aunt Eileen’s Cookie Properly?
If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They stay soft and cakey if kept sealed. To reheat, warm a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture. You can freeze baked cookies for up to two months.
FAQs on this Aunt Eileen’s Cookie Recipe
When you give this Aunt Eileen’s Cookie Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
1. What kind of rice does El Pollo Loco have?
From our experience, long-grain white rice works best. It cooks fluffy, stays separate, and tastes closest to the real thing.
2. What does El Pollo Loco put on their chicken?
They use a citrus-based marinade with spices. We’re not cooking the chicken here, but the same bright flavors inspired this rice recipe.
3. What is Pollo Loco made of?
The classic dish is grilled chicken seasoned with citrus, garlic, and spices. Our rice recipe pairs perfectly with those same flavors.
4. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook. In our tests, brown rice needed extra broth and about 20 more minutes.
5. Why did my rice turn mushy?
From what we’ve seen, too much stirring or too much liquid is usually the cause. Keep the lid on and let it steam.
6. Can I make this rice spicy?
Absolutely. We’ve added a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño before, and it turned out great.
7. Can I cook this in a rice cooker?
Yes. We’ve tried it. Just add everything to the pot and let it run its normal cycle. The flavor comes out a bit softer but still good.
8. Can I double the recipe?
We’ve doubled it many times. Just make sure you use a larger pot and keep the liquid ratio the same.
9. How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pot?
A little oil at the bottom helps. Also, try not to lift the lid too often -that’s something we learned the hard way.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, we’ve frozen this rice plenty of times. It reheats nicely in the microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture.
Aunt Eileen’s Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla using a mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy-almost like the texture of whipped marshmallow.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Using a low speed setting, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients to avoid spilling flour.
- Fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips; mix just until combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop to drop cookie dough onto prepared pan, keeping dough balls intact (do NOT flatten).
- Bake for 9 minutes before removing from the oven.
- While still warm, press a Hershey’s Kiss onto each cookie top.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack; eat warm or after completely cooled.
Video
Notes
These cookies have become a family favorite for a reason. They’re simple, nostalgic, and always turn out soft, colorful, and delicious. Try them for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or just because you’re craving something sweet. Make a batch, snap a photo, and let us know how much you loved them.
We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.
Also, follow along on Pinterest and Youtube for more tasty updates. Your support and thoughts mean the world!
These cookies are heavenly! Crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.