My "Happily Ever After" Cookies

Once upon a time, I read a book about a girl who loved to bake and she (inevitably) got the guy, so I decided I was going to become a baker, too (I’ve regretfully made a lot of life and personality changes this way- but hey, who can blame me?). Luckily, the perfect chance came up where my best friend wasn’t feeling so hot, so naturally, being the baker I was, I had to bake her something. I googled “quick chocolate chip cookies” and held my breath. Lo and behold, a recipe turned up that supposedly took twenty minutes or so, so I gave it a shot and they turned out pretty great! I delivered them to my best friend and I (fairly quickly) got a message about how delicious they were and we lived happily ever after… just kidding! To celebrate the holiday spirit, I’ve decided to share my coveted cookie recipe that I’ve selfishly kept to myself because it was “the” recipe (you know, like in TATBILB- the third one- where Lara Jean is on a journey to make the perfect cookie?). Anyways, I got the original recipe from ihearteating.com but I’ve also added some tweaks and alternatives, so keep scrolling for the full recipe and recipe card!

First, I pull out all my ingredients and tools that I’ll need, so I’m prepared for anything and everything my baking will throw at me (I highly recommend keeping a wiping cloth with you). Then, I, very carefully reach across the stovetop and preheat the oven to 350°F (ok, fine I’m mostly joking about the level of caution I use in the kitchen) and microwave the stick of butter for 30-45 seconds and use those precious seconds to contemplate how absolutely delicious these cookies are and how quickly I can eat them. After I’m pretty sure the butter is melted, I use this adorable mini whisk and add both sugars (be careful here- don’t try this intoxicating mixture because if you will you will eat it all up and there’ll be no more cookies) and add the vanilla and egg until it’s semi-thoroughly mixed.

Then, I go ahead and add the flour, baking soda, and salt and once I’m vaguely sure that the batter won’t stick to my hands, I go in with my (very clean, thank you) hands to finish whipping these babies up (I also swear that mixing it with my hands makes all the difference- you can taste the love). Then, the funnest part in the whole process- choosing and mixing in what toppings you want! I’ve made these with the classic chocolate chip, but also with sprinkles (a funfetti cookie), peppermint flavoring and mint chocolate chips, rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar (apparently you need cream of tartar to make them “real” snickerdoodles, but oh well) and any more that you can dream up! Then, take a small lump out, roll it in your palms, and set it on the baking sheet (I usually squish them down a little bit too- they don’t super spread, so I give ‘em some help). After that, just pop ‘em in the oven for about 7-10 minutes (my sweet spot is righttt about seven and a half minutes or eight minutes) and contemplate how you got here to the soundtrack of Taylor Swift’s evermore. champagne problems, anyone?

p.s. I used a cup of sprinkles and mint chocolate chips for other add-ins, but trust your instincts! Add as much or as little as you want!

p.p.s. gold rush, cowboy like me, long story short, and champagne problems are my new favorite songs.