We Energies Cookie Book

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the mixture for a tender cookie texture.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth and homogenous cookie dough.

4. Stir in the vanilla extract, blending it into the mixture for a subtle and sweet flavor enhancement.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture will be gradually added to the wet ingredients to form the cookie dough.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

7. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. These add-ins provide bursts of flavor and texture to the cookies.

8. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to expand as they bake.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

10. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process allows the cookies to set and attain the perfect texture.