As a food critic and avid baker, I have had the pleasure of tasting countless cookies in my lifetime, but there is one particular recipe that holds a special place in my heart – the Thick, Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies with Slightly Crisp Edges. These cookies are an ode to my childhood memories of baking with my grandmother on lazy Sunday afternoons.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup pink and red M&Ms

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth.

5. Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a thick cookie dough forms.

6. Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Form Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop to form large dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

8. Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crisp and the centers are set.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• For an extra indulgent twist, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies to make a decadent ice cream sandwich.
• If you prefer a gooey center, slightly underbake the cookies and let them continue to cook on the hot baking sheet outside the oven for a few minutes.

These Thick, Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies with Slightly Crisp Edges are a delightful treat that is sure to please any chocolate lover. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or shared with friends and family, these cookies hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy that baking can bring.