As summer fades and the school year begins, I find myself in a whirlwind of schedules and to-do lists. That’s why I love making back to school cookies! These delightful treats are not just a sweet surprise for my kids; they’re a quick solution for busy mornings and after-school snacks. With a burst of chocolate and a sprinkle of fun, these cookies bring joy to our hectic days. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them perfect for any mom juggling work and family. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
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Back to School Cookies: Delightful Treats for Kids!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fun cookies perfect for kids returning to school.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits.
- For a fun twist, use seasonal sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: back to school cookies, kids cookies, chocolate chip cookies, fun cookies
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Back to School Cookies
These back to school cookies are a game-changer for busy families! They come together in just 27 minutes, making them perfect for those hectic afternoons. The rich chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles create a delightful treat that kids adore. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins. Whether for lunchboxes or after-school snacks, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients for Back to School Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful back to school cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cookies, providing structure and texture.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, making the cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Chocolate chips: The star of the show! They melt beautifully and add a rich chocolatey goodness.
- Colorful sprinkles: These add a fun, festive touch that kids love!
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits for a different twist. Seasonal sprinkles can also add a festive flair. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing.
How to Make Back to School Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these back to school cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for even mixing. By whisking, you’re ensuring that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps your cookies rise beautifully and taste just right!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until smooth. This process is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture. The sugar crystals create tiny air pockets in the butter, which helps the cookies rise. Don’t rush this step; take your time to get it creamy!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the large eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined. The eggs not only bind the ingredients but also add moisture. The vanilla extract brings a warm, inviting flavor that makes these cookies irresistible!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; this can lead to tough cookies. You want to see a few flour streaks remaining—this is perfectly fine!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles. Use a spatula to carefully mix them in without breaking the chips. This step adds that fun, festive touch that kids love. Plus, who can resist a cookie loaded with chocolate and sprinkles?
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. For uniform cookies, try to keep the portions consistent.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft. If you’re unsure, take them out when they look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to set. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. But let’s be honest—these cookies probably won’t last that long!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
- Don’t skip the whisking step; it ensures even baking.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A standard cookie sheet works well, but a stoneware pan can give you a nice, even bake.
- Parchment paper: If you don’t have this, a silicone baking mat is a great alternative.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is ideal for creaming.
- Whisk: A fork can work in a pinch for mixing dry ingredients.
- Cookie scoop: A spoon is fine, but a scoop ensures uniform cookies.
Variations
- For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- Use oatmeal instead of some flour for a chewy texture and added fiber.
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- For a healthier option, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these back to school cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
- For a fun presentation, stack cookies in a jar and tie with a ribbon.
- Include them in lunchboxes with a note for a sweet surprise.
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FAQs about Back to School Cookies
As I’ve baked these back to school cookies, I’ve come across a few common questions. Here are some answers to help you on your cookie-making journey!
Can I freeze back to school cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If chocolate isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in dried fruits, nuts, or even butterscotch chips. The beauty of these back to school cookies is their versatility!
How do I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, try slightly underbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look a bit doughy. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful treats!
How should I store the cookies?
Store your back to school cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. But let’s be honest, they might not last that long!
Final Thoughts
Baking these back to school cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to my family. The aroma of warm cookies fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Watching my kids’ faces light up as they take their first bite is priceless. These cookies are not just treats; they’re a way to connect, share, and create memories together. So, whether you’re packing them in lunchboxes or enjoying them after school, these back to school cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to your busy days!