Wagon wheels, remember those? Soft and chewy cookies sandwiched with marshmallow and jam, all coated in a generous layer of chocolate. They’re a classic treat that brings back waves of childhood memories.
Maybe you haven’t had one in years, or maybe you’re looking to recreate that nostalgic magic for your own family. Whatever your reason, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe will guide you through each step to make your own delicious wagon wheels right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup your favorite jam (raspberry or strawberry are classic choices)
For the coating:
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Tools of the Trade:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Wire rack
- Microwave-safe bowl
Baking Up Some Memories: The Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cookie Time!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where your trusty electric mixer comes in handy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to perfectly textured cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Expert Tip from Chef Emily: “For chewier cookies, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.”
2. Shaping Your Wagon Wheels:
- Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. The Fun Part: Filling and Coating
- In a small bowl, microwave the marshmallow fluff in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Spread a spoonful of marshmallow fluff onto the bottom of half of the cooled cookies. Top with a dollop of your chosen jam.
- Sandwich the cookies together with the remaining cookie halves.
Pro Tip: If your jam is particularly thick, you can gently warm it up for easier spreading.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each cookie sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Place the coated cookies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. The Final Touch:
- Refrigerate the wagon wheels for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Once set, your homemade wagon wheels are ready to be devoured!
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination for a decorative touch.
Q: How do I store leftover wagon wheels?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion: A Taste of Nostalgia
There you have it! A simple and satisfying recipe for homemade wagon wheels. They’re perfect for a nostalgic treat, a bake sale contribution, or just because you deserve a little indulgence. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some sweet memories in your own kitchen.
We’d love to hear about your wagon wheel adventures! Share your pictures and experiences with us in the comments below. Happy baking!
