Are you craving a warm, gooey cookie that's as comforting as a cozy night in? Look no further! This Metropolitan Market Cookie recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and incredible flavor, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe is designed for everyone, from seasoned bakers to enthusiastic beginners exploring the world of homemade cooking. Let's get started on this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional – pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts work wonderfully)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer will do just fine.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Chocolate Chips & Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Metropolitan Market Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- 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 for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add other mix-ins like dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or sprinkles.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Metropolitan Market Cookies: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- Oatmeal Metropolitan Market Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dry ingredients.
- White Chocolate Raspberry Metropolitan Market Cookies: Use white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of dried raspberries.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. For a detailed nutritional breakdown, use a nutritional calculator online with your specific ingredient choices. Expect a cookie to contain roughly 200-250 calories, varying amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein.
This Metropolitan Market Cookie recipe is a delightful example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying a sweet treat all by yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!