Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 2 egg yolks (discard whites)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the ½ cup of butter. This ensures it blends smoothly with the sugars for a creamy dough base.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: Add the ⅔ cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons white sugar to the melted butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated, giving the dough its rich, flavorful foundation.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir the mixture until a cohesive dough forms without any dry flour lumps.
- Shape Cookies: Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop or two tablespoons to portion the dough into balls. Place them on the lined cookie sheets, leaving about 1.5 inches of space between each cookie to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Shape While Warm: Immediately after removing from the oven, place a cookie cutter or a bowl that is slightly larger than the cookie over each one. Quickly move your hand in a circular motion to round out each cookie into perfect circles.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and helps set their texture.
Notes
- Discarding egg whites helps create a chewier cookie texture.
- Using vanilla bean paste adds a deeper vanilla flavor compared to extract.
- Re-shaping the cookies immediately after baking ensures a uniform and professional appearance.
- Keep space between cookies to avoid them baking into each other.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
