Are you craving that irresistible chewy, sweet, and utterly addictive cookie you get at Panera Bread? Well, stop craving and start baking! This recipe brings the magic of Panera's famous candy cookies right into your kitchen. It's easier than you think to recreate this delicious treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your friends and family. Get ready for a truly delightful baking experience with this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly tender cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results – it'll save you some elbow grease!
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 dry ingredients.
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, Butterscotch Chips, and Pecans (Optional)
Fold in the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and pecans (if using) until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Resist the urge to eat the cookie dough raw! (Although, we understand the temptation…)
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them – ovens can vary!
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 cool, enjoy the warm, chewy goodness!
Tips for the Best Candy Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure a smooth and creamy cookie 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.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Candy Cookies: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of dried cranberries.
- Mini Candy Cookies: Use a smaller cookie scoop for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This recipe offers a delicious and relatively easy way to enjoy the taste of Panera's iconic candy cookies from the comfort of your own home. It's a perfect recipe for easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively speaking!), and quick dinner ideas when you need a sweet treat to end the day. Enjoy baking and happy eating!