Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to whip up a batch of Cupid’s Trash Can Cookies! These delightful treats are a fun and whimsical way to celebrate love with friends and family. With their golden-brown edges and rich, gooey centers, these cookies are loaded with a variety of sweet surprises. Each bite brings a burst of flavor from chocolate chips and the crunch of your favorite candy, making them an irresistible treat for your Valentine or anyone who loves a good cookie!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup assorted crushed candies (like M&Ms, gummy bears, or peppermint pieces)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (includes cooling)
Yield: About 24 generous cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the assorted crushed candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to use any combination of crushed candies that you love! M&Ms add a nice crunch and color, while gummy candies provide a unique chewiness.
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it with the sugars—this will give your cookies a lovely nutty taste.
- If you’re short on time, you can chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugars, aim for a light, airy texture, which will help create a softer cookie. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher cookies. Baking the cookies until just golden will yield that perfect chewy texture in the center.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready.
- What if I don’t have all-purpose flour? You can substitute with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
- How should I store leftovers? Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.
Conclusion
These Cupid’s Trash Can Cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a fun baking project that brings a little chaos—and a lot of love—into your kitchen. With their sweet surprises and delightful textures, they are sure to become a beloved addition to your Valentine’s Day traditions. Share them with your loved ones, or keep them all for yourself—no judgment here! Happy baking!