Are you tired of staring into the cookie jar, seeing those last few crumbs at the bottom and wishing for just one more cookie? Then this recipe is for you! These Last Crumb Cookies are the ultimate way to use up those leftover cookie crumbs, transforming them into a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat. Perfect for a quick dessert, a satisfying snack, or even a unique addition to your next bake sale, this recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Get ready to turn your cookie crumbs into a culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cookie crumbs (any kind will do! Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodles – the possibilities are endless!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, sprinkles – get creative!
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly moistened. If the mixture seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it holds together well.
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Add-ins (Optional): Now's the time to get creative! Stir in your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or colorful sprinkles for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You can flatten them slightly with a fork for a rustic look, or leave them round.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your delicious Last Crumb Cookies!
Tips for the Best Last Crumb Cookies:
- Crumb Consistency: For best results, use relatively fine cookie crumbs. If your crumbs are large, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor to achieve a finer texture.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is fully melted but not too hot. This helps to bind the ingredients properly.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and hard. Start checking them at 8 minutes and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different add-ins to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Spicy Last Crumb Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a warm and spicy kick.
- Chocolate Last Crumb Cookies: Use chocolate cookie crumbs and add extra chocolate chips for an intensely chocolatey treat.
- Fruity Last Crumb Cookies: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for a burst of fruity flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of cookie crumbs used. However, a general estimate would be around 50-70 calories, 3-5g fat, and 5-8g carbohydrates. This is an approximation and should not be taken as exact nutritional information.
These easy and delicious Last Crumb Cookies are a fantastic way to minimize food waste and create a tasty treat everyone will love. Give it a try and let your creativity shine! Remember to share your creations with us – we'd love to see your delicious cookie masterpieces!