A recipe for Rocky Road Cookies inspired by our visit to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, California! These thick chocolate cookies are packed with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts.
La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits is was one of my son’s favorite spots when we lived in Los Angeles and sparked his love for paleontology.
Tucked among the high-rise buildings and surrounded by concrete at 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits is home to one of the world’s largest deposit of Ice Age fossils and the only actively excavated urban site.
Protected by fences (mostly- watch your step when venturing off the sidewalk), natural asphalt continues to seep to the surface along with the bubbling of methane. The tar pits are only a few inches deep, but became well camouflaged by leaves and debris causing a variety of animals, plants, and insects to become trapped over the last 50,000 years.
Even now, animals such as birds, squirrels, lizards, and insects continue to get stuck on occasion.
The grounds (Hancock Park) surrounding the museum are free to explore. You can get a view of the tar pits up close, active/past excavation sites, and even a Pleistocene Garden.
The Pleistocene Garden was created based on the fossils recovered from Pit 91. It features the native vegetation found in the area 10,000 to 40,000 years ago and is divided into four main sections: Coastal Sage, Riparian, Mixed Evergreen/Redwood Forest, and Chaparral.
The largest tar pit, the Lake Pit, is located directly in front of the museum and a result of asphalt mining operations during the late 1800s. Pit 91 is one of the longest running urban excavation sites and has a viewing station where you can look down into the pit.
Thousands of fossils were excavated between 1913-1915 and created the original collections for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Excavations were renewed in 1969 with the help of modern equipment and samples of microfossils previously undetected were uncovered. Learn more about the excavations on the La Brea Tar Pits page.
During the Live Theater Ice Age Encounter Show, we learned about Project 23. Construction of the underground garage next door for the LACMA in 2006 revealed an abundance of new fossil deposits.
The deposits surrounding the fossils were transferred to large wooden crates, 23 in all at over 120,000 pounds, to be further examined at their present location. Scientists can be seen working on the boxes daily.
Over 3.5 million fossils have been uncovered in the pits and many of them are on display inside the museum along with life-size replicas, over one hundred artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Many sections are hands-on, so there are plenty of opportunities to see and learn about the Ice Age up close.
The most abundant large fossils found in the deposits come from the dire wolf, followed by the saber-toothed cat, and the coyote.
Other fossils on display include the Harlan’s ground sloth, American lion, Short-faced bear, bison, Columbian mammoth, and even a number of extinct birds.
The kids especially love the watch the paleontologists working on fossils in the Fossil Lab. During our visit, they had the skull of Zed on display.
Zed is a nearly complete (about 80%) adult Columbian Mammoth found during Project 23. He lived about 35,000 years ago and wasn’t originally stuck. His body washed into a stream (current cause of death is believed to be soft-tissue injuries during combat) and the bones were then covered and preserved in the asphalt.
The museum is open daily 9:30-5 with the exception of the first Tuesday of every month, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Check the current ticket prices before visiting.
Daily guided tours are included with museum admission. We had a family annual pass to the tar pits (also includes the Natural History Museum and William S. Hart Museum).
We usually spent about two hours here. Restrooms can be found inside the museum and outside by the picnic tables. All the exhibits inside the museum are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Parking in the lot off of Curson Avenue is $18 at the time of this post (January 2025 update).
Metered spots may also be found along Wilshire, but take note of surrounding signs- specifically when no parking is allowed during peak rush hour in the mornings and evenings.
Have some time to spare? The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Petersen Automotive Museum are also nearby.
We often pair a visit to the tar pits with a food stop or two. I am listing a few of our favorites below in order based on distance from the museum. Picnic tables are also located in Hancock Park in front of the museum.
Vchos Truck
We came across Vchos Truck one day in front of the LACMA and enjoyed some delicious Pupusas.
Other featured menu items include Shrimp & Potato Tacos, Gourmet Street Tacos, Chicken Pastelito, and Platano Empanada.
Uovo
Uovo’s second location (the first is in Santa Monica) opened in September 2019 at 6245 Wilshire Blvd about half a mile west of La Brea Tar Pits.
They feature traditional handmade pasta from their kitchen in Bologna, Italy using the “sfogline” method of sheeting and cutting the pasta without the use of an extruder.
I tried the Crema di Parmigiano- Handmade pork tortellini in a Parmigiano-Reggiano cream sauce. The rich sauce complimented the meat filling perfectly.
Bar seating is situated around the open kitchen so you can watch the pasta as it’s prepared, plus a couple of tables at either end of the restaurant.
I walked from the tar pits, but the building has a garage with parking validation for up to 2 hours.
Yuko Kitchen
Yuko Kitchen is a little less than half a mile walk east at 5484 Wilshire Boulevard. It is tucked behind The UPS Store (there is a sign pointing towards the restaurant) with an outdoor patio and small amount of indoor seating.
As we stepped inside, the kids were particularly mesmerized by the door above the restroom (photo above).
The special Chicken Plate included a huge portion of Teriyaki Chicken, Rice, Spicy Salmon Roll, Salad, Soup Shot, and a Mini Dessert. Yuko Kitchen also has a second location in Downtown LA.
Milk Jar Cookies (now closed)
We came across Milk Jar Cookies (unfortunately now closed) during our first visit to the La Brea Tar Pits and it has since become a favorite stop while in the area (I also got the chance to review their cookbook!- Peanut Butter Cookies and Milk Jar Cookies Bakebook).
Our personal favorites were the Birthday Cookie, Rocky Road, and Chocolate Chip Cookie (photos above). I also loved their Salted Butterscotch.
Miracle Mile Toy Hall
Right next door to Milk Jar Cookies is the Miracle Mile Toy Hall at 452 S La Brea Avenue.
This small boutique is divided into rooms based on the type of toy with books, crafts, dress-up, games, legos, plus-plus, a baby section, and more.
Met Her at a Bar
Met Her at a Bar is just a little bit further at almost a mile from the tar pits (parking can be tricky nearby) at 759 S La Brea Avenue. This popular brunch spot tends to get busy with tight seating.
We tried the His Waffle (Italian Style with fried chicken, waffle, and Alfredo sauce), Wow You’re Different…Waffle Benedict (poached eggs, ham, hollandaise sauce, salad), and Now This is Love Waffletella (strawberries, bananas, Nutella, whipped cream).
Met Him at a Bar also opened across the street and features homemade pasta.
Qi Steam Kitchen
Qi Steam Kitchen is located in a small shopping center on the corner of Olympic and San Vicente Blvd. As the name suggests, the menu highlights a variety steamed dishes from dumplings and meats to vegetables and desserts.
We enjoyed the Pearl Pork Balls, Panda Lava Buns with a salty egg yolk center, Steamed Bok Choy, Steamed Beef and Shrimp Dumplings, and Crispy Steamed Beef Bao (my personal favorite).
Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
During one of our drives home, we picked up lunch from Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant. Located in Little Ethiopia at 1025 S Fairfax Avenue, Lalibela is a family-owned restaurant with a variety of Ethiopian meat and vegetable-based dishes, breakfast, and specials.
We especially enjoyed the following:
- Kategna with Ayib– rolled strips of injera with Berbere sauce, Ethiopian spiced butter, and fresh cheese.
- Awaze Tibs- cubed prime beef in BBQ spiced sauce with grilled onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Doro Wot (my favorite!)- chicken stewed in Berbere spice sauce and seasoned butter with hard boiled eggs and Ayib.
- Yebeg Alethcha Wot– pieces of lamb sautéed in creamy sauce with mild spices and fresh herbs.
Looking for more Los Angeles travel?
Check out:
- Prosciutto Toast and California Science Center
- Filipino Spaghetti and Downtown Los Angeles
- Loco Moco Pizza and Los Angeles: South Bay
Rocky Road Cookies
I was inspired to make Rocky Road Cookies at home after enjoying the fun treats at Milk Jar Cookies. These decadent chocolate cookies are filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts.
The dough comes together easily with the help of the stand mixer, then is divided into large rounds with an ice cream scoop. Before baking, the cookies are frozen for about an hour. This will help them hold their shape and develop a more fudgy texture that contrasts beautifully with walnuts.
These Rocky Road Cookies are best the day they are made, especially within a couple of hours of baking. With time, the mini marshmallows will become sticky.
A Few Rocky Road Cookie Tips
Do not pack in the flour when measuring or you may end up with too much. To measure flour, gently spoon it into the measuring cup and level with a knife without pressing down. The most accurate way to measure is by weight.
The addition of the 1 teaspoon of cornstarch is optional, but it contributes to the rich, gooey texture.
Don’t like walnuts? Swap for peanuts or almonds. Avoiding nuts? Just leave them out or maybe add in another handful of chocolate chips.
I went with semi-sweet chocolate chips for some balance. If you want a sweeter cookie, go with milk chocolate chips. For something a little stronger, swap for bittersweet or dark chocolate chips.
If adding more to the top of the cookies, push the marshmallows and chocolate chips in a little to help keep them from sliding off while baking in the oven.
Allow the cookies to cool for about 20 minutes on the baking sheet before attempting to remove.
Rocky Road Cookies Recipe
Adapted from Kirbie’s Cravings
Rocky Road Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter chilled and diced
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 ounces (142 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips plus more for topping
- 2.7 ounces (77 grams, 3/4 cup) chopped walnuts
- 1.3 ounces (37 grams, 3/4 cup) mini marshmallows plus more for topping
Instructions
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, pulse together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy with no pieces of butter larger than a pea.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the stand mixer with the butter and pulse just until everything is combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, walnuts, and marshmallows just until evenly mixed.
- Use a standard ice cream scoop or pull off a 1/4 cup piece of dough.
- Roll the piece of dough into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press down lightly. Repeat with the remaining dough, dividing them between two baking sheets and about 2-3 inches (5-8 centimeters) apart.
- If desired, top the cookie balls with additional chocolate chips and marshmallows. Push the marshmallows and chocolate chips in a little to help keep them from sliding off as the cookies rise in the oven.
- Place the baking sheets in the freezer for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C).
- Bake the frozen cookies in the preheated oven until just set, about 15-18 minutes.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes, to set before removing from the baking sheets.
- These Rocky Road Cookies are best the day they are baked, especially within a couple of hours.
Paula Montenegro
A visit to the museum with a rocky road cookie in each hand would be an afternoon well spent! They look amazing! Can’t blame me if I eat too many.
Pam Greer
Looks like an amazing place to visit and I can’t wait to try these cookies!
Dannii
My husband would love these. He is obsessed with anything rocky road.
Jacqueline Debono
The tar pits sounds like such an interesting place to visit. I have always found fossils fascinating. Here where I live in Italy there’s a fossil museum and excavation site in a village called Bolca that’s said to be the richest fossil site in the world! Apparently, this part of Italy was ocean millions of years ago and fish and shell fossils are quite common. I’ve even found shell fossils in the vineyards near my house! Those cookies look so good! Love that they have marshmallows in them!