Are you ready to bake up a batch of cookies so incredibly soft and chewy, they'll melt in your mouth? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe uses the power of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to create the perfect texture, resulting in delicious, homemade cookies that are sure to become a family favorite. Forget those store-bought disappointments – these easy recipes are quick dinner ideas, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.
Why Arm & Hammer Baking Soda?
Before we dive into the deliciousness, let's talk about the star ingredient: Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. It's not just for cleaning; this baking soda is a leavening agent that gives these cookies their signature soft and chewy texture. It reacts with the other ingredients to create tiny air pockets, resulting in that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience. This is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (Arm & Hammer, of course!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, saving you time and effort.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: 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!
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips (or your preferred mix-ins).
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, chewy, delicious Arm & Hammer Baking Soda cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will ensure proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats and ½ cup of raisins to the dough.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts for the chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and size)
This recipe offers a delightful and easy way to enjoy homemade cookies. The perfect balance of chewy texture and delicious flavor makes these a treat you'll want to bake again and again. They're great for sharing (or not!), perfect for parties, or simply a delightful reward at the end of a long day. Happy baking!