🤠 Cowboy Cookies

Ingredients

– 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup (180g) white granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup (180g) brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
7. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations

– Use a combination of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper flavor.
– Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.
– Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added texture and nutrition.
– Make a batch of Cowboy Cookie Bars by pressing the dough into a lined or greased 9×13-inch baking dish and baking for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.