Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Mama Kelce’s Cookies – Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip Family Favorite

Sarah Smith
Nov 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Plate of chocolate chip cookies stacked on a wooden table, showing golden brown color and melty chocolate chips, evoking a warm, cozy mood.

These cookies are pure homemade comfort — soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with gooey chocolate chips. Inspired by a classic family recipe, Mama Kelce’s Cookies are baked with love and perfect for holidays, after-school treats, or any cozy night at home. Bake a batch of these cookies, then try the best chocolate chip cookies or homemade doughnuts next time. Gingerbread truffles make a fun holiday twist.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Combine: Gradually stir in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
Scoop and bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are soft.
Cool & serve: Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm for that melty chocolate goodness!

Tips & Variations

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for extra chewy cookies.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a bakery-style touch.
Swap in dark chocolate chunks, butterscotch chips, or M&M’s for a fun twist.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (or freeze the dough for later).

FAQ

Q: What makes Mama Kelce’s cookies unique? These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate — a nostalgic, homemade-style cookie with the perfect balance of crisp edges and gooey centers.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chunks? Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chunks make delicious add-ins.

Q: How do I keep the cookies soft? Store them with a slice of bread in an airtight container — it keeps them soft for days.

Q: Can I make these cookies smaller or larger? Yes. For smaller cookies, bake 8–9 minutes. For jumbo cookies, bake 12–14 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Mama Kelce’s Cookies are the ultimate blend of classic comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor. Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for game day gatherings, holiday trays, bake sales, or everyday treats. With simple ingredients and reliable results, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast. If you’re looking for a timeless cookie recipe that delivers big flavor and bakery-style texture, Mama Kelce’s Cookies belong on your must-bake list.

Mama Kelce’s Cookies – Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip Family Favorite

Ingredients

Instructions

Tips & Variations

FAQ

Final Thoughts

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