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Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites are playful little treats that bring the charm of a classic Boston cream pie into a super snackable form. These bite-sized cookies have all the best parts creamy custard centers chocolaty drizzle and the soft rich cookie base. They come together with fairly simple steps and deliver nostalgic bakery flavor in every bite. I love making these for potlucks or when I need a fun pick me up on busy weeks.
My first try with these happened after craving something “retro” but easy. Once I brought them to book club it became a fun inside joke that I must always show up with a tray.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: brings structure pick a fresh bag for tender cookies
- Baking powder: keeps the cookies light always check the expiration for lift
- Baking soda: boosts spread and softness gives a nice crumb
- Salt: rounds out the flavors use just a pinch to cut the sweetness
- Unsalted butter: makes the base rich and melt in your mouth
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps the cookies brown swap in brown sugar for a cozy touch
- Large egg: brings everything together fresh eggs work best for binding
- Vanilla extract: gives signature fragrant notes try almond if you want a nutty hint
- Vanilla custard: creates that creamy pocket choose homemade or grab a high quality store brand
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: finish with a glossy drizzle opt for a good melting chocolate for a silky topping
- Vegetable oil: helps chocolate set with a great shine coconut oil gives a subtle flavor
- Mixing bowls: sturdy glass or ceramic bowls help blend ingredients thoroughly
- Whisk: helps combine dry ingredients and cream the butter mixture evenly
- Baking sheet: look for a rimmed pan for even baking
- Parchment paper: prevents sticking making clean up a breeze
- Piping bag: makes custard filling quick and mess free but a spoon still works
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit which gets things ready for even baking right from the start. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure no sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine flour baking powder baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk until everything is well mixed which ensures each cookie will bake up with the perfect texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl. Beat until the mixture turns pale and fluffy about two to three minutes. This step sets the stage for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Extract:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract into your butter mixture. Beat well until the batter looks creamy and everything has blended together for a smooth finish.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Slowly fold your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined stopping as soon as you see no streaks of flour to avoid overmixing which keeps cookies soft.
- Shape and Bake:
- Scoop out cookie dough and space out on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the centre of the oven for about ten to twelve minutes. Keep an eye until the edges just turn golden while centers stay pale and soft.
- Cool and Indent:
- Move cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully. Then gently press a thumb or spoon in the middle of each to create space for filling.
- Fill with Custard:
- Transfer cooled custard to a piping bag or use a small spoon. Carefully fill the centers of each cookie bite to make sure every one gets plenty of creamy custard.
- Add Chocolate Drizzle:
- Melt chocolate chips with the oil until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the custard topped cookies with a spoon or by piping make sure each gets a generous swipe.
- Set and Serve:
- Let the topped cookies rest at room temperature for about ten to fifteen minutes until the chocolate sets. Serve once the drizzle firms up for the perfect hand held treat.
I am partial to the custard here because creamy fillings always remind me of Sunday treats at my grandma’s. My daughter always loves helping drizzle the chocolate which usually results in double drizzles and extra giggles.
Storage Tips
Cool cookies completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge because of the custard. They stay fresh for up to four days. For freezing keep unfilled cookies in a zip top bag and thaw as needed for quick assembly.
Ingredient Swaps
Whole wheat flour works for more fiber and a heartier flavor. Try almond extract instead of vanilla or swap in dark chocolate for a bolder finishing drizzle. Coconut oil gives a nice gentle hint if you are not a fan of plain vegetable oil.
Serving Suggestions
Plate them as pretty party bites or arrange as a cute cookie tower for special events. Adding a little candied cherry on top makes these perfect for birthdays. If serving for brunch pair with coffee or black tea.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cookie dough for fall. Swap the custard for lemon curd in spring. Use white chocolate for the drizzle during winter holidays.
Success Stories
One time I brought these to a neighbor’s block party and someone said they taste just like a bakery made them. The custard always gets a surprise smile and they are gone by the end of any gathering.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze fully assembled cookies just place in single layers with parchment in between. Let thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also shape the dough and freeze the balls then bake straight from the freezer adding a couple minutes.
Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites bring the best of classic bakery flavor to your kitchen in a fun snackable form. Whip them up for gatherings or a sweet treat any time with just a handful of steps.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the cookie base soft and tender?
For a soft texture, avoid overmixing the dough and ensure the butter is well-creamed. Watch baking time to prevent overbaking.
- → Can I use store-bought custard for the filling?
Yes, both store-bought and homemade vanilla custard work well. Adjust sweetness to taste if needed.
- → Is it possible to substitute the chocolate drizzle?
You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate for the drizzle. Flavored chocolate chips also add variety.
- → What’s the best way to fill the cookies?
After cooling, use a piping bag or small spoon to add custard into the cookie's center indentation.
- → How long do these cookie bites stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best flavor and texture.
- → Can the cookies be made in advance?
The cookie bases can be baked ahead, then filled and drizzled with chocolate just before serving.