Introduction
These Cupid’s Trash Can Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day! Bursting with color and flavor, they combine a delightful medley of chocolate chips, festive M&M’s, crunchy pretzels, and fluffy marshmallows. Each bite is a celebration of love and happiness, making them an ideal dessert to share with friends, family, or that special someone. Their golden edges and soft centers are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, making them the ultimate Valentine’s Day indulgence!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s (red, pink, and white for Valentine’s theme)
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is beautifully blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, and nuts (if using), creating a colorful dough brimming with textures and flavors.
- Using a tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, gooey center!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies right before baking.
- Feel free to customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins! Dried fruits, coconut flakes, or different types of chocolate can be delightful additions.
- If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars together until fluffy is essential to achieving the right texture in cookies. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise and become beautifully soft. When mixing in the dry ingredients, gentle folding is key to keeping your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies, so stir until just combined! Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step on the wire rack, as this allows the cookies to firm up and maintain their perfect texture.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before baking.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag.
- What can I substitute for the eggs? You can use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacement to make these cookies vegan-friendly!
Conclusion
These Cupid’s Trash Can Cookies are a heartfelt way to celebrate love and sweet moments this Valentine’s Day. Overflowing with delightful textures and flavors, they’re not just a treat for the eyes but for the taste buds as well. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging on your own, each cookie is baked with love and sure to warm your heart. Happy baking!