Are you ready to dive headfirst into a world of gooey, chocolatey goodness? Forget those bland, store-bought cookies – today, we’re making Dirty Dough Cookies. This easy recipe delivers all the irresistible flavor of cookie dough, baked to perfection for a safe and satisfying treat. Perfect for a quick dessert, a family gathering, or even a quiet night in, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will work too!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts (optional)
Fold in the milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using). The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; feel free to swap out the nuts for other additions like pecans or macadamia nuts, or even add some dried cranberries for a delightful twist.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 6: 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. Once cooled, indulge in these warm, delicious, and perfectly safe Dirty Dough Cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this helps create a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt it, just let it sit out at room temperature for a while.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 Fat: Approximately 12-15g Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Dirty Dough: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter twist.
- White Chocolate Raspberry: Substitute white chocolate chips for the milk chocolate and add ½ cup of dried raspberries.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat.
These Dirty Dough Cookies are a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They're perfect for satisfying that cookie dough craving in a safe and delicious way. Enjoy!