Cinnamon Sugar Praline Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪✨

Introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Recently, I made a batch of Cinnamon Sugar Praline Chocolate Chip Cookies, and let me tell you, they were a hit! The combination of warm cinnamon, rich chocolate, and the nutty crunch of pecans creates a flavor explosion that is absolutely delightful. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and they vanished within hours. If you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, these cookies are a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the Dough

6. Refrigerate: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

7. Mix Coating Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.

Shape and Coat the Cookies

8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Scoop and Roll: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
10. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake the Cookies

11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. They may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Cool and Serve

12. Cool on Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Enjoy! Indulge in your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Praline Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 160 kcal
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 9 g
• Protein: 2 g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 57 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm from the oven: These cookies are best enjoyed warm.
• With a glass of milk: A classic pairing that never gets old.
• As a dessert platter: Include with other cookies for a lovely dessert display.
• With coffee or tea: Perfect for afternoon snacking.
• Gift them: Pack in a decorative box for a thoughtful gift.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for the best texture.
2. Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
3. Use Quality Chocolate Chips: They make a difference in flavor.
4. Customize the Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts or skip nuts entirely.
5. Double the Recipe: Make a double batch for gatherings or freezing.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Variation: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
• Add a Nutty Twist: Experiment with different nuts like hazelnuts or almonds.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies on a festive plate for parties.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Serve alongside a warm beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Create a cookie sandwich with frosting or whipped cream in the middle.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, but it may affect the flavor and texture slightly.
2. What can I substitute for eggs?
   Use flax eggs or applesauce for an egg-free version.
3. How can I make these cookies chewy?
   Reduce baking time slightly or add more brown sugar.
4. Can I add other flavors?
   Yes, try adding orange zest or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
5. What if I don’t have cinnamon?
   You can omit it, but it adds a wonderful flavor.
6. Can I use other nuts?
   Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer.
7. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
   Make sure to chill the dough before baking.
8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze the dough for later use.
9. Why are my cookies flat?
   This could be due to overmixing the dough or not chilling it enough.
10. What’s the best way to store cookies?
    Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Praline Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of chocolate and the crunch of nuts. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself. With their delicious flavor and comforting texture, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the scrumptious results! Happy baking!

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