Chocolate Chip Peanutty Goodness

So if you read my last few posts, you might be confused as to why a picture of a fresh-from-the-oven cookie is now before your eyes.

While I'm trying (and pretty much failing) to cut back on the sweets, that doesn't mean I can't share some of the goodies I've been baking, right?

Look at it. Isn't it beautiful?

I mean, who am I to deprive you of valuable information about a very delicious chocolate chip peanut cookie?

Not me. Never.

Ok, onto the good stuff.

So while I have a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, I'm not above trying other variations from time to time.

This recipe comes from Williams-Sonoma Desserts which can't be bad given the title of the cookbook.

All I know is that every time I make these cookies, they are gobbled up quickly.

Though you may not need an official occasion to bake these, you could definitely brighten a special someone's day tomorrow with a plateful of these treats...your Valentine's, or just yours. Enjoy!

Peanut and Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma Desserts)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped, lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

In another bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla, and using an electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat well. Reduce the speed to low, add the flour mixture, and mix until well blended. Stir in the chocolate chips and peanuts.

Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart. Bake until just beginning to brown around the edges, 25 minutes. (Important note: I baked mine between 13-15 minutes, which was plenty of time.) Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. (If they last that long!)