Treat for the cookie monsters

Everybody loves cookies and has a favorite cookie recipe that brings back fond memories. Sometimes as a comfort food when all you want is something to cozy up to on the couch with a steaming cup of coffee. At other times, cookies would just be the perfect remedy for when you're in need of a "pick me up".

Last weekend I baked some cookies. There is no easier recipe than this one and trust me, this cookie’s a winner! The recipe is quick and easy and the best part is you can get very creative and add whatever ingredients you like in the cookie dough; chopped nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, grated coconut, dried berries… Almost everything works with this cookie batter.

I made 2 flavor variations for this cookie recipe: chocolate chunks for the chocoholic and raisin and chopped almonds for a healthier version. Gotta please everyone in the house, eh? :p

This is the recipe for the basic cookie dough.

Ingredients:

170g butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 ½ cups self-raising flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180˚C and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smoothly blended.
3. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Beat in the flour, baking powder and salt and mix until a soft batter is formed. At this point, you can add your favorite ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts… etc.
If you intend to make more than one cookie flavor variation, divide your cookie dough in separate bowls and then mix in the additional ingredients you have chosen. I chose chocolate chunks on one side and raisin and chopped almonds on the other side.

Chocolate chunks cookie dough

Raisin and nuts cookie dough

5. Place small spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking trays, allowing room for spreading.

6. Bake the cookies for about 15-20 minutes or until golden.
7. Transfer on a wire rack and cool for a few minutes.

Makes 5 dozen cookies

What I can say about these cookies is that they are very addictive. Just crisp enough on the edges and gooey in the centre, they are a luxurious treat for the senses.

And for a delightful cookie ‘n’ cream treat...

... ice-cream sandwiched between two cookies is a perfect concoction for bliss!