Earthquake Cookies

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt, a pinch
• Chocolate chips or M&M's, as desired (for topping)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips or M&M's.
7. Drop cookie dough by the spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving enough space for spreading.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on the provided ingredients and typical nutrition facts)

• Calories: Approx. 250 per cookie (depending on the amount of chocolate chips added)
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• These cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a sweet and chocolatey flavor.
• Earthquake Cookies are often associated with being hearty and perfect for sharing with friends or family during gatherings.

User Comments:

1. "These cookies are really tasty! The texture is perfect, not too hard and not too soft."
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet the cookies are so impressive."
3. "I added walnuts to this recipe, which gave it a nice crunchy texture."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature for best results in creaming with the sugar.
• Do not overbake the cookies; they should be slightly underdone in the center for a soft and chewy texture.
• Store cookies in an airtight container once fully cooled to maintain their freshness and texture.