Mom’s Beloved Yum Yum Cookies: A Recipe That Warms the Heart

These Yum Yum Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, loaded with heartwarming goodness! Imagine a light and airy cookie, perfectly balanced with the chewy sweetness of coconut, the rich indulgence of chocolate chips, the wholesome earthiness of oatmeal, and the delightful crisp of Rice Krispies. This unique combination has made them famously cherished within one family for generations, and it is a true honor to share Mom’s original recipe, along with the beautiful story that makes them so special.

The Cherished Legacy of Alice’s Yum Yum Cookies

This recipe holds an incredibly special place in the hearts of many. It originates from Alice, the dear mother of my friend, Rhonda. Alice was renowned for these particular cookies, and I assure you, after just one bite, you will instantly understand why they became a legend in their own right. Her cookies weren’t merely baked goods; they were an expression of love, comfort, and the enduring spirit of family.

Rhonda, one of eleven children, experienced the profound loss of her mother a year ago, followed by her father just a few months later. It was an exceptionally emotional period for their large, close-knit family. At their memorial service, the family shared this beloved cookie recipe, allowing Alice’s culinary legacy to live on. They also included a fun little mathematical trick her dad always kept on his business card – a testament to the charming details that make a family’s memory so rich.

The Origin Story: From High School Hit to Family Tradition

When I asked Rhonda to recount how these remarkable cookies came to be, she generously shared this beautiful memory:

“When I was in high school, I visited my friend Susie’s house, and she had baked some cookies that were absolutely divine. I immediately had to get the recipe from her and excitedly shared it with my Mom. That recipe quickly became an enormous hit with our family, so much so that Mom continued to make those cookies for over 35 years! She always kept a special cookie bucket in the freezer, and every child, grandchild, and even great-grandchild knew that it would always be filled with her delicious, unique cookies, ready for them to enjoy at any time. When Mom passed away last year, we thoughtfully shared that cherished recipe with everyone at her funeral. It was our way of ensuring her memory, and the joy these cookies brought, would continue to live on through every batch baked.”

This touching story highlights how a simple recipe can weave itself into the fabric of a family, becoming a symbol of love, comfort, and enduring presence. Alice’s dedication to keeping that cookie bucket full speaks volumes about her generous spirit and the warmth she brought to her family’s life.

Why Everyone Falls in Love with Yum Yum Cookies

These Yum Yum Cookies truly embody the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The hearty oats provide a comforting base, the shredded coconut adds a tropical chewiness, the Rice Krispies introduce an unexpected, delightful crunch, and the chocolate chips melt into pockets of sweet indulgence. They are, hands down, one of my absolute favorite cookies. And it’s not just because they taste utterly fantastic, which they undeniably do, but because they carry such a profound emotional weight. Every time I pull out this recipe, I get a little misty-eyed, remembering the love and legacy embedded in each bite.

This generous recipe yields approximately 5 dozen cookies, ensuring you’ll have plenty to share with a crowd. They are absolutely perfect for large family gatherings, holiday potlucks, lively cookie exchanges, or simply for ensuring you have a steady stash in the freezer for those moments when a craving strikes. Their versatility and universally appealing taste make them a go-to for any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade sweetness.

If you’re seeking other delightful cookie options to explore, you might also enjoy these recipes: Pie Crust Cookies, Orange Ginger Refrigerator Cookies, or these charming Cherry Wink Cookies. Each offers a unique flavor profile to expand your baking repertoire.

A Ray of Sunshine: The Story Behind the Photos

Before we dive into the full recipe, I must share a special anecdote about the photo above. While I was setting up to photograph these wonderful cookies, I reached for a favorite mug from my buffet. As I did, my eyes caught sight of some small Scrabble tiles, and an idea sparked: why not incorporate them into the photos? I first arranged the tiles to spell “yum yum” alongside the cookies in the mug. Then, I transferred a batch of the baked cookies into a lovely container to illustrate what a thoughtful and impressive gift they would make.

It was at this moment that I added the word “Mom’s” to the Scrabble tiles. As I lifted my camera to capture the shot, a brilliant ray of sunlight suddenly streamed through the doorway, landing directly on the word “Mom’s.” It was a total goosebump moment! It felt like Alice, Rhonda’s mom, was right there with me, offering her approval and presence as I honored her beloved recipe. These small, unexpected moments often carry the deepest meaning, making the experience of recreating and sharing her cookies even more profound.

Essential Ingredients for Mom’s Delicious Yum Yum Cookies

You will find the complete measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card towards the end of this post. For now, let’s explore the key components that bring these cookies to life.

Oleo or Butter: You have the flexibility to use either softened butter or margarine (also known as oleo) for these cookies. I personally prefer butter for its rich flavor, but margarine works perfectly well and may even soften faster if you’re short on time.

Sugar: Alice’s recipe calls for a wonderful combination of both white granulated sugar and light brown sugar. This blend ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, contributing to the cookies’ delightful texture.

Cooking Oil: A mild-flavored cooking oil, such as vegetable oil (which I used), is essential. It adds an extra layer of moisture and helps keep the cookies tender and soft for longer.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors beautifully. While imitation vanilla will work, pure extract offers a richer, more authentic aroma and taste.

Egg: A single large egg acts as a binder, helping to emulsify the ingredients and provide structure to the cookies. Any type of large egg will suffice.

All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is the base of these cookies, providing the necessary structure without making them too dense.

Baking Soda: This leavening agent reacts with the acidic brown sugar and cream of tartar to give the cookies their characteristic light and airy texture.

Cream of Tartar: Often an unsung hero in baking, cream of tartar is crucial here. It stabilizes the dough and, when combined with baking soda, is what makes these Yum Yum Cookies so wonderfully light and tender. Don’t skip this ingredient!

Salt: A pinch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the cookie.

Shredded Coconut: For the best results, use sweetened shredded coconut. It adds a delightful chewiness and a lovely tropical sweetness that complements the other ingredients.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to, offering a classic chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet. They melt beautifully, creating gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie.

Oatmeal: Old-fashioned rolled oats are preferred for their texture and heartiness. Avoid instant or steel-cut oats, as they will alter the final texture of the cookies significantly.

Rice Krispies: The crisp cereal adds an incredibly unique and addictive crunch to these cookies, truly setting them apart. You can use brand-name Rice Krispies or a store-brand equivalent; both will work perfectly.

How to Bake Alice’s Irresistible Yum Yum Cookies

Baking these cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps to recreate Alice’s famous treats in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your cookies go in. You may also line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients. In the bowl of your stand mixer, or using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter (or oleo) and both white and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender cookie. Then, add the cooking oil, vanilla extract, and egg, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Sifting helps to remove lumps and ensures these leavening agents are evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in the Goodies. Using a spatula or by hand, gently fold in the Rice Krispies, shredded coconut, oatmeal, and chocolate chips. Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The goal is to incorporate these additions without crushing the Rice Krispies or overworking the dough.

(It will be tempting, but try to resist eating all the delicious cookie dough before it even makes it to the oven!)

Step 5: Portion and Bake. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Then, bake for approximately 12 minutes in your preheated 350-degree oven. Cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Store. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them set up and achieve their perfect texture. Once entirely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to a week. This recipe generously makes about 5 dozen cookies, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy and share!

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If you’re as enchanted by Alice’s Yum Yum Cookies as we are, make sure you don’t lose this treasured recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave, so you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to bake a batch of these unforgettable treats!

Frequently Asked Questions About Yum Yum Cookies

What is oleo? Oleo is simply another term for margarine. If you opt to use margarine in this recipe, you won’t need to take it out of the refrigerator to soften beforehand, unlike butter, which benefits from coming to room temperature.

Do I need to grease the cookie sheet? While you can grease your cookie sheets, I highly recommend placing a piece of parchment paper on them before arranging the cookie dough. Parchment paper ensures non-stick baking, promotes even browning, and makes cleanup a breeze!

Is there a good substitute for cream of tartar? Cream of tartar might seem like an uncommon ingredient, but it’s well worth keeping a jar in your pantry as it has a very long shelf life. It’s key to the light texture of these cookies. However, if you find yourself without any, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice for every ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar called for in a recipe. This will provide the necessary acidity.

Creative Substitutions to Customize Your Yum Yum Cookies

One of the joys of baking is being able to adapt recipes to your taste. Here are a few ways you can customize these Yum Yum Cookies:

For a classic twist, consider using plump raisins or tangy currants in place of chocolate chips.
Experiment with a combination of chocolate chips: try milk chocolate for extra sweetness, dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or even white chocolate for a creamy contrast.
If you love a nutty flavor, swap out the chocolate chips for creamy peanut butter chips or sweet butterscotch chips.
For a more rustic, intense chocolate experience, chop up your favorite chocolate bar into chunks instead of using pre-made chips.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Yum Yum Cookies

If using butter, allow it to come to room temperature before you begin mixing. This ensures it creams properly with the sugar, creating a light, airy dough.
Similarly, letting your egg come to room temperature helps it incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a better emulsion and a more uniform cookie texture.
These cookies keep wonderfully! Store them in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for up to one week. For longer enjoyment, freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
Given that this recipe makes a generous 5 dozen cookies, consider baking half the batch and freezing the remaining cookie dough for a quick treat at a later date. Simply scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Baking for a Cause: The Sweetest Season Cookie Swap

This special recipe for Mom’s Yum Yum Cookies is proudly shared as part of The Sweetest Season, an annual virtual cookie swap that I co-host with Erin of The Speckled Palate and Susannah of Feast + West. Every year, food bloggers come together, not just to share incredible new holiday cookie recipes, but to rally for a profoundly important cause.

This year, our collective efforts are dedicated to raising money for Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer. This remarkable organization is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit specifically focused on funding research for new, innovative, and crucially, less-toxic treatments for childhood cancer. It’s a cause incredibly close to our hearts, understanding that every child deserves a chance at a healthy future.

Since its inception in 2008, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has been instrumental, granting nearly $18 million to pediatric cancer research. This funding has resulted in over 100 research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers nationwide. From these grants, an incredible 35+ treatments are now available to children battling cancer today, offering hope and tangible progress in the fight against this devastating disease.

Please join us in making a difference! Help us raise money for this vital cause by donating through our fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to a cure.

Adding to the excitement, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is currently in a special matching window with their generous friends at OXO. This means OXO will be matching every dollar raised through the end of 2022, up to an astounding $100,000! Whatever money we raise through our fundraising page will automatically be doubled, multiplying the impact of your generosity and helping more children in need. Thank you for your support!

Discover More Classic Cookie Recipes to Love

If you’ve enjoyed baking Mom’s Yum Yum Cookies, you’ll surely appreciate these other timeless cookie recipes, perfect for any occasion or just for indulging your sweet tooth:

Lemon Spritz Cookies (pictured above)
Old Fashioned Iced Molasses Cookies
Grandma Jane’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Butter Brickle Cookies
Aunt Vern’s Sugar Cookies
Grandma Jane’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Explore My Complete Collection of Cookie Recipes

This recipe for Alice’s Yum Yum Cookies is truly unique, not only for its delicious taste but also for the beautiful story it carries. The exceptional combination of textures and flavors – from the crisp Rice Krispies to the chewy coconut and gooey chocolate chips – will undoubtedly amaze you and leave you reaching for another. I sincerely hope your family enjoys them as much as mine does, and that this cherished recipe continues to be passed down and enjoyed by many generations to come.

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Yum Yum Cookies stacked in a white bowl.

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Print Recipe

Mom’s Yum Yum Cookies

These Yum Yum Cookies are loaded with goodies! A light and airy cookie, filled with coconut, chocolate chips, oatmeal, and Rice Krispies. This cookie is quite famous in one family and I am honored to share Mom’s recipe, along with the story of them with you.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 12 mins

Total Time: 22 mins

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate chips, Coconut, cookies, cream of tartar, Mom’s recipe, Mom’s yum yum cookies, oatmeal, rice krispies, yum yum cookies

Servings: 5 dozen

Calories: 140 kcal per serving

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Jelly Roll and Cookie Pan, 10.5 x 15.5-Inch
15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan
Rubber Spatulas
OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
Glass Batter Bowl

Ingredients

1 cup oleo or butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup cooking oil (e.g., vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
In your mixer bowl, cream together the softened butter (or oleo) and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add in the oil, vanilla extract, and egg; mix well until thoroughly combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
By hand, gently fold in the Rice Krispies, shredded coconut, oatmeal, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for spreading.
Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees F (175°C), or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
Transfer the baked cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Once cool, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

Recipe Credit: Alice Rupiper

Nutrition