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There’s something undeniably special about a family recipe passed down through generations. It’s not just about the delicious taste or the satisfying aroma that fills your home; it’s about the stories, the love, and the memories baked into every bite. If you’ve ever yearned for that kind of culinary magic, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into Donna Kelce cookie recipe, famously known as Mama Kelce chocolate chip cookies. This recipe isn’t just any ordinary cookie—it’s a beloved tradition from the Kelce family to yours.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about Donna Kelce’s cookie recipe. So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on this delightful baking journey together.
Table of Contents
The Heartwarming Story Behind Donna Kelce Cookie Recipe

Every recipe has a story, and Donna Kelce’s cookie recipe is no exception. Donna Kelce, affectionately known as Mama Kelce, is the proud mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce. But beyond her sons’ athletic accolades, Donna has created a legacy of her own—one that’s baked with love and shared with joy.
Donna Kelce’s Legacy
You might recognize Donna from the sidelines, cheering on her sons at football games, but her influence stretches far beyond the stadium. She’s a mother who believes in the power of family, community, and food as a unifying force. Her chocolate chip cookies have been a staple at family gatherings, team events, and neighborhood parties, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.
Family Traditions Born in the Kitchen

For the Kelce family, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and traditions are born. Mama Kelce cookies aren’t just dessert; they’re a cherished family ritual. Every batch is a reminder of holidays spent together, victories celebrated, and challenges overcome.
Sharing the Love Through Baking
Donna’s philosophy is simple: good food brings people together. By sharing her famous cookie recipe, she’s inviting you into her family’s circle, hoping you’ll create your own memories and traditions. It’s this generosity of spirit that makes Donna Kelce’s cookie recipe so special.
Ingredients for Mama Kelce’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Before we get our hands messy, let’s gather everything we’ll need. Remember, the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in the final product.

Quality Matters
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that your cookies have the best flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on the essentials—after all, you’re about to create something extraordinary.
Secret Ingredients That Make a Difference
What sets Mama Kelce’s cookies apart? A couple of unique additions elevate this recipe from classic to unforgettable. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while a sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and complex.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
Brown sugar | ¾ cup |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Eggs | 2 large |
Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 2 cups |
Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans | 1 cup |
Secret Ingredient: Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
Finishing Touch: Sea salt flakes | For sprinkling |
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Donna Kelce’s Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the baking process. Follow these steps closely to recreate the magic of Donna Kelce’s chocolate chip cookies in your own kitchen.


Preparing the Dough
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combining and Resting
Step 4: Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips (and Nuts)
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts if you’re using them. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Baking to Perfection
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Place the dough balls approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 9: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of each dough ball. This step enhances the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
Step 10: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are still slightly soft. For chewier cookies, aim for the lower end of the time range.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks from Mama Kelce
To make sure your cookies turn out just like Mama Kelce, here are some insider tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly, resulting in a better-textured cookie.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can develop too much gluten, leading to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: As mentioned earlier, chilling is non-negotiable for the perfect consistency and flavor.
- Bake One Sheet at a Time: For even baking, place one sheet in the center of the oven at a time.
- Storage Tips: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container.
Variations of Donna Kelce Cookie Recipe
One of the joys of baking is making a recipe your own. Donna Kelce’s cookie recipe is versatile, and with a few tweaks, you can create delicious variations that suit your preferences.


Mama Kelce’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love the hearty texture of oats, try this twist.
Modifications:
- Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Proceed with the recipe as usual.
Result: Cookies that are chewy with a delightful nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
For those with gluten sensitivities, you don’t have to miss out.
Modifications:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Ensure all other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are certified gluten-free.
Result: Enjoy the same great taste without the gluten.
Vegan Adaptation
Adapting the recipe for a vegan diet is simple.
Modifications:
- Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Replace each egg with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
Result: Delicious, plant-based cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Mama Kelce’s Cookie Recipe Printable

We know how handy it is to have a physical copy of a recipe when baking. That’s why we’ve prepared a Mama Kelce cookie recipe printable for you. Click here to download and print the recipe. It’s formatted for easy reading, so you can focus on the fun part—baking!
Why Donna Kelce’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Are a Must-Try
If you need more convincing, here are some reasons why Donna Kelce’s chocolate chip cookies should be next on your baking list.


Community Praise
Bakers and taste-testers alike rave about these cookies. They’ve been the star at countless events, leaving people asking for the recipe.
“I made Mama Kelce’s cookies for my son’s birthday party, and they were gone in minutes! Everyone wanted to know the secret.” — Sarah T.
The Kelce Family Touch
These cookies carry the warmth and hospitality that the Kelce family is known for. By baking them, you’re sharing in a tradition that’s brought joy to many.
A Tradition in the Making
Start your own family tradition. Baking these cookies together can become a cherished activity, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to Bake?
Now that you have everything you need to know about Donna Kelce cookie recipe, it’s time to bring this delightful tradition into your home. Baking these cookies isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about embracing a piece of the Kelce family’s warmth and making it your own.
Gather your ingredients, invite your family or friends to join, and create something truly special. And don’t forget to sprinkle that pinch of love—it’s the secret ingredient in every batch.
We’d love to hear about your experience baking Donna Kelce cookies! Share your stories, photos, and any personal twists you’ve added to the recipe in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious insights and share this article with fellow baking enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donna Kelce Cookie Recipe
Is there a printable version of Mama Kelce’s cookie recipe available?
Yes! We’ve provided a Mama Kelce cookie recipe printable here for your convenience.
Can I customize Donna Kelce chocolate chip cookies recipe?
Absolutely. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like white chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like nutmeg.
How do I ensure my cookies have the same texture as Mama Kelce’s cookies?
Key factors include using room temperature ingredients, not overmixing the dough, and chilling the dough before baking.
Can I make Mama Kelce’s cookie recipe gluten-free or vegan?
Yes, you can. Refer to our variations section for specific substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences.
How should I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, but they’ll likely be eaten before then!
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Donna Kelce Cookie Recipe
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (secret ingredient)
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon (secret ingredient). Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¾ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in 2 cups chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped nuts (if using).
Chill Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes (for thicker, chewier cookies).
Portion Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop 1.5-inch dough balls onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
Add Finishing Touch
Immediately after baking, sprinkle cookies with sea salt flakes (optional).
Cool & Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.