Cookies for dinner? Absolutely!
Picture this: a cozy evening where the sweet aroma of fresh-baked cookies dances through your kitchen, like a gentle hug from the universe.
As you whip up these irresistible treats—bursting with chocolatey goodness or perhaps a nutty crunch—you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t think of this sooner. It’s a delightful twist on tradition, a little rebellion against the norm, and just maybe, the new comfort food your heart didn’t know it craved.
Steps
- Chocolate Turtle Cookies: Combine chocolate and caramel in your batter, then mix in crunchy pecans for added texture. Shape the dough into cookies and bake until soft. Let cool before serving.
- Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies: Use a cake mix as your base and add festive mix-ins of your choice. Form the dough into cookies and bake until set. Cool on a rack before enjoying.
- Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies: Prepare a shortbread-style dough with hazelnuts and Nutella. Shape into balls and bake until golden. Roll in powdered sugar once cooled.
- Cookie Cereal: Make a dough with mini chocolate chips and shape into tiny cookie bites. Bake until crisp, then let cool. Serve with milk for a fun breakfast twist.
- Chocolate Crumb Cake Crumbl Cookie Copycat: Prepare a chocolate cookie base and bake until set. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top, followed by a fudge streusel. Allow to cool before serving.
- Cookie Brittle: Mix a basic dough and spread it thinly on a baking sheet. Bake until it becomes crisp and golden. Break into pieces once cooled.
- PB&J Cookies: Make a simple peanut butter cookie dough and create an indent in the center. Fill with your favorite jam and bake until the edges are set. Cool before serving.
- Apple Cider Cookies: Combine apple cider with your dough for a fall-inspired flavor. Shape into cookies and bake until golden. Let cool before enjoying.
- Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies: Use holiday-shaped sugar cookie dough and stack with plain dough. Decorate with sprinkles and bake until the edges are firm. Cool and serve.
- Candy Cane Whoopie Pies: Prepare chocolate cookies and a peppermint-vanilla frosting. Assemble by sandwiching frosting between pairs of cookies. Roll edges in crushed candy canes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 12 soft caramel candies, halved
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
FAQ
- What makes Chocolate Turtle Cookies unique?
- Chocolate Turtle Cookies stand out due to their delightful combination of chocolate and caramel, complemented by crunchy pecans, offering a delicious twist on traditional chocolate cookies.
- How can I quickly make festive cookies using cake mix?
- Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies are a simple and versatile option for festive treats. By using a cake mix and your choice of mix-ins, you can easily create delicious cookies in a short amount of time.
- What are Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies, and why are they special?
- Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies are a holiday favorite, known for their nutty, shortbread texture. This version uses hazelnuts and includes a delightful surprise of Nutella filling, making them a unique twist on classic snowball cookies.
- What is Cookie Brittle, and why is it advantageous for holidays?
- Cookie Brittle is a convenient and quick alternative when you need a large batch of cookies without the hassle of multiple baking trays. It’s a faster way to enjoy the taste of chocolate chip cookies, perfect for entertaining.
- How can I enjoy a nostalgic treat with a twist?
- PB&J Cookies combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and jam, creating a chewy, sweet cookie that brings back childhood memories of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Tips
- For Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies, opt for using a variety of nuts like walnuts or pecans if hazelnuts aren’t available. This can help you achieve the classic flavor while still being able to enjoy the Nutella surprise inside.
- When making Cookie Cereal, consider using mini chocolate chips or chopping regular-sized ones into smaller pieces. This will ensure each small cookie has the perfect chocolate-to-cookie ratio.
- If you’re in a hurry, try making Cookie Brittle. It’s a quick alternative to traditional cookies and perfect for when you have limited time or oven space. Just spread the dough thinly on a baking sheet and break it into pieces once baked.
- For Cake Mix Cookies, experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize the cookies to your taste. This flexibility allows you to create a variety of flavors with one recipe.
Equipment
- Silicone Baking Mats – Useful for even baking and preventing sticking on cookie sheets.
- Cookie Scoop – Helps in portioning cookie dough evenly.
- Cooling Racks – Essential for cooling cookies properly after baking.
- Piping Bags and Tips – Useful for decorating cookies with icing or filling with Nutella or jam.
- Candy Thermometer – Useful if making caramel from scratch for recipes like Chocolate Turtle Cookies.
- Food Processor – For finely chopping nuts or crushing candy canes for certain recipes.
- Stand Mixer – Makes mixing large batches of dough easier, especially if making multiple recipes.
- Pastry Blender – Useful for incorporating butter into dry ingredients for cookie brittle.
