Farewell Adventurefuls! Delicious Recipes to Honor the Discontinued Girl Scout Cookie
The Girl Scout cookie season is a cherished time of year, filled with anticipation, excitement, and, of course, delicious treats. Each year brings a mix of classic favorites and innovative new flavors. However, sometimes, a beloved cookie faces the chopping block. This year, Adventurefuls, the indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with a caramel crème center and a hint of sea salt, have been discontinued. While their absence from the 2024 lineup is undoubtedly a disappointment for many, it also presents a unique opportunity: to celebrate their deliciousness by recreating and reimagining them in our own kitchens!
This article is dedicated to honoring the Adventurefuls cookie and providing you with a treasure trove of recipes that capture their essence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll find inspiration to keep the Adventurefuls spirit alive. We’ll delve into recipes that recreate the cookie itself, as well as explore creative ways to incorporate its flavors into other delectable desserts.
## Understanding the Adventurefuls Flavor Profile
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s dissect what made Adventurefuls so special. The key components are:
* **Brownie Base:** A rich, fudgy brownie flavor forms the foundation of the cookie.
* **Caramel Crème Filling:** A smooth, creamy caramel filling adds sweetness and a delightful textural contrast.
* **Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavors and provides a pleasant salty-sweet balance.
Keeping these elements in mind will help you understand the rationale behind the recipes and allow you to customize them to your own liking.
## Recipe 1: Homemade Adventurefuls Cookies
This recipe aims to recreate the Adventurefuls cookie as closely as possible. It’s a bit more involved than some of the other recipes, but the results are well worth the effort.
**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep Time:** 45 minutes
**Cook Time:** 12-15 minutes
**Ingredients for the Brownie Cookies:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
**Ingredients for the Caramel Crème Filling:**
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Ingredients for the Sea Salt Topping:**
* Flaky sea salt
**Equipment:**
* Stand mixer or hand mixer
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper
* Saucepan
* Candy thermometer (optional, but recommended for the caramel)
* Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for uniform cookies)
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Making the Brownie Cookies**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes with a mixer.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. **Scoop and Bake:** Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Do not overbake, as the cookies will become dry.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Part 2: Making the Caramel Crème Filling**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, butter, and salt.
2. **Cook the Caramel:** Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a temperature of 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer, or until it forms a soft ball when a small amount is dropped into cold water. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Be patient and watch carefully to prevent burning.
3. **Remove from Heat and Stir in Vanilla:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Cool Slightly:** Let the caramel crème cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
**Part 3: Assembling the Adventurefuls Cookies**
1. **Pipe or Spread Caramel Filling:** Once the cookies have cooled completely and the caramel crème has thickened slightly, transfer the caramel crème to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, or simply use a spoon. Pipe or spread a generous amount of caramel crème onto the flat side of half of the cookies.
2. **Top with Remaining Cookies:** Top with the remaining cookies, flat side down, to create sandwich cookies.
3. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** Lightly sprinkle the tops of the cookies with flaky sea salt.
4. **Chill (Optional):** For a firmer filling, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **For a richer brownie flavor:** Use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
* **For a chewier cookie:** Add a tablespoon of molasses to the dough.
* **For a smoother caramel:** Strain the caramel crème through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
* **Add a touch of espresso:** A teaspoon of instant espresso powder added to the cookie dough will enhance the chocolate flavor.
## Recipe 2: Adventurefuls Brownie Bites
This recipe simplifies the process of recreating the Adventurefuls flavors by combining them into easy-to-make brownie bites. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying treat.
**Yields:** Approximately 24 brownie bites
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 18-20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (18.3 ounces) brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
* 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* Flaky sea salt
**Equipment:**
* Mixing bowl
* Muffin tin
* Muffin liners (optional)
* Small saucepan
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin liners, or grease the tin well.
2. **Prepare Brownie Batter:** Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box.
3. **Fill Muffin Tin:** Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with brownie batter.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
5. **Cool:** Let the brownie bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Prepare Caramel Sauce:** While the brownie bites are cooling, prepare the caramel sauce. If using store-bought caramel sauce, heat it in a small saucepan with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy. This thins out the caramel and makes it easier to drizzle.
7. **Drizzle with Caramel and Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** Once the brownie bites have cooled completely, drizzle them generously with the caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **For a richer caramel flavor:** Use a salted caramel sauce.
* **Add nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the brownie bites along with the sea salt.
* **Add chocolate chips:** Stir chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking.
* **Make it a sundae:** Top the brownie bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
## Recipe 3: Adventurefuls Caramel Popcorn
This recipe offers a fun and unexpected way to enjoy the Adventurefuls flavor combination. It’s a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for movie nights or parties.
**Yields:** Approximately 8 cups of popcorn
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 5 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups popped popcorn (air-popped is best)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Flaky sea salt
* 1/2 cup melted chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
**Equipment:**
* Large pot or saucepan
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. **Prepare Caramel Sauce:** In a large pot or saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. **Remove from Heat and Stir in Vanilla:** Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Pour Caramel Over Popcorn:** Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all of the popcorn.
5. **Spread on Baking Sheet:** Spread the caramel-coated popcorn in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Bake (Optional):** For crispier popcorn, bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. **Cool and Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** Let the popcorn cool completely. Break it into pieces and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
8. **Drizzle with Chocolate (Optional):** If desired, drizzle the cooled popcorn with melted chocolate.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add nuts:** Mix chopped nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, into the popcorn before adding the caramel sauce.
* **Add pretzels:** Add broken pretzel pieces to the popcorn for a salty-sweet crunch.
* **Use flavored popcorn:** Experiment with different flavored popcorn, such as cheese or kettle corn, for a unique twist.
* **Make it a gift:** Package the caramel popcorn in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for a homemade gift.
## Recipe 4: Adventurefuls Milkshake
This recipe is a quick and easy way to indulge in the Adventurefuls flavor profile. It’s a perfect treat for a hot day or a satisfying dessert.
**Yields:** 1 milkshake
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 Adventurefuls cookies (or homemade brownie cookies from Recipe 1)
* 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
* Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
* Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
**Equipment:**
* Blender
* Tall glass
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, Adventurefuls cookies, and caramel sauce.
2. **Blend:** Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. **Pour into Glass:** Pour the milkshake into a tall glass.
4. **Top (Optional):** Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **For a thicker milkshake:** Use more ice cream.
* **For a thinner milkshake:** Use more milk.
* **Add chocolate syrup:** Drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass before pouring in the milkshake.
* **Use different flavors of ice cream:** Experiment with different flavors of ice cream, such as chocolate or caramel.
* **Make it a boozy milkshake:** Add a shot of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
## Recipe 5: Adventurefuls Inspired Parfaits
These parfaits are a beautiful and delicious way to showcase the flavors of Adventurefuls. They are perfect for parties or a special dessert.
**Yields:** 2 parfaits
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup chocolate pudding (store-bought or homemade)
* 1 cup whipped cream
* 4 Adventurefuls cookies (or homemade brownie cookies from Recipe 1), crushed
* 1/4 cup caramel sauce
* Flaky sea salt (optional)
**Equipment:**
* 2 parfait glasses or clear cups
**Instructions:**
1. **Layer Ingredients:** In each parfait glass, layer the ingredients in the following order: chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, whipped cream, and caramel sauce. Repeat layers as desired.
2. **Top (Optional):** Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
3. **Chill:** Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different flavors of pudding:** Experiment with different flavors of pudding, such as vanilla or butterscotch.
* **Add fruit:** Add layers of fresh fruit, such as berries or bananas.
* **Use a different type of cookie:** Substitute the Adventurefuls cookies with other chocolate cookies or brownie bites.
* **Make it a trifle:** Use a large trifle bowl to create a larger version of the parfait.
## Preserving the Adventurefuls Memory
While we’re sad to see Adventurefuls go, these recipes are a testament to their enduring appeal. By recreating and reimagining their flavors, we can keep the spirit of this beloved cookie alive in our kitchens. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a delicious Adventurefuls-inspired baking adventure! These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to experiment and create your own unique variations. Share your creations with friends and family, and let the memories of Adventurefuls continue to sweeten your life. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #AdventurefulsForever and #GirlScoutCookieRecipes!
**Beyond the Recipes: Other Ways to Remember Adventurefuls**
* **Stock Up (If Possible):** If you can still find Adventurefuls cookies for sale in your area, consider stocking up to enjoy them while they last.
* **Write a Review:** Share your thoughts and memories of Adventurefuls by writing a review on your favorite online platform.
* **Contact Girl Scouts:** Let Girl Scouts know that you appreciate the Adventurefuls cookie and would like to see it return in the future. While they might not bring it back immediately, your feedback can influence future decisions.
* **Start a Petition:** If you’re truly passionate about Adventurefuls, consider starting an online petition to bring them back.
Ultimately, the best way to remember Adventurefuls is to continue enjoying their delicious flavor profile through homemade creations. So, let’s keep baking, sharing, and celebrating the memory of this beloved Girl Scout cookie! The spirit of adventure and deliciousness lives on! And who knows, maybe one day Adventurefuls will make a triumphant return!
**Final Thoughts:**
The discontinuation of a favorite cookie can feel like a small loss, but it also sparks creativity and encourages us to explore new culinary horizons. These Adventurefuls-inspired recipes are a celebration of flavor, a tribute to a beloved treat, and an invitation to embrace the joy of baking. So, go forth and create, and let the spirit of Adventurefuls live on in your kitchen!
Enjoy the baking adventure!