Name: Cupids Trash Can Cookies: A Deliciously Fun Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24-36 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup crushed pretzels (about 3 cups whole pretzels); 1 cup crushed potato chips (about 5 cups whole chips); 1 cup Valentine's Day M&M's (or any festive candy); 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cupid's Trash Can Cookies: Prepare to fall head-over-heels for the most delightfully chaotic and utterly irresistible cookies you'll bake this Valentine's Day! Forget perfectly shaped hearts and meticulously piped frosting; we're embracing the beautiful mess that is love (and delicious baking) with these loaded, over-the-top treats.

While the name might not scream romance, trust me, these cookies are a love letter to your taste buds. Think of them as a modern twist on the classic "kitchen sink" cookie, where everything but the kitchen sink (hopefully!) gets tossed in. The beauty of Cupid's Trash Can Cookies lies in their adaptability. There's no single "right" way to make them; they're a celebration of using what you have on hand and creating something truly special.

Why are these cookies so beloved? It's simple: they're a textural and flavor explosion! The combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy creates a symphony in every bite. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, perfect for a fun baking session with loved ones, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any Valentine's gathering. So, ditch the pressure of perfection and embrace the delicious chaos of Cupid's Trash Can Cookies – your heart (and stomach) will thank you!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup crushed pretzels (about 3 cups whole pretzels)
1 cup crushed potato chips (about 5 cups whole chips)
1 cup Valentine's Day M&M's (or any festive candy)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preparing the Dough:

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be pale and airy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances all the other flavors, so don't skip it!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for proper leavening and flavor.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until you see the flour just disappear.
Incorporate the "Trash": Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, crushed potato chips, Valentine's Day M&M's, and chopped nuts (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to use a large spatula for this to avoid breaking the chips and candies too much.
Chill the Dough (Important!): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. For best results, chill for at least an hour.

Baking the Cookies:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Silicone mats provide even heat distribution and prevent the bottoms of the cookies from burning.
Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. These cookies spread a bit, so don't overcrowd the baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. You want the edges to be set and golden, but the centers should still be a little soft to ensure a chewy texture.
Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set up a bit and prevents them from breaking when you try to move them.

Tips and Variations:

Get Creative with the "Trash": The beauty of these cookies is that you can customize them with whatever "trash" you have on hand! Feel free to substitute other types of chocolate chips, candies, pretzels, or chips. Some other great additions include:
- Peanut butter chips
- Toffee bits
- Crushed Oreos
- Mini marshmallows
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Coconut flakes
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, simply omit the nuts from the recipe.
Make Ahead: The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Even Baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time. This helps to prevent hot spots in your oven from causing some cookies to bake faster than others.
Soft Cookies: For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake them. They will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
Crispy Cookies: For crispier cookies, bake them for a minute or two longer.
Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Troubleshooting:

Cookies are too flat: This could be due to several factors:
- The butter was too soft. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted.
- The dough was not chilled long enough. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading.
- The oven temperature is too low. Make sure your oven is properly preheated.
- Too much sugar. Double check your measurements.
Cookies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking. Reduce the baking time slightly.
Cookies are too hard: This could be due to overmixing the dough. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Cookies are not spreading: This could be due to too much flour. Double check your measurements.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream.
Package them up in cute bags or boxes for Valentine's Day gifts.
Bring them to a party or potluck. They're always a crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of day.

Enjoy your delicious and festive Cupid's Trash Can Cookies!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Cupid's Trash Can Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they're a celebration of flavor, texture, and pure, unadulterated fun. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little whimsy and a whole lot of deliciousness to their baking repertoire. The combination of salty pretzels, crunchy potato chips, sweet chocolate, and chewy marshmallows creates a symphony of sensations that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it's incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget spending hours meticulously decorating sugar cookies; these cookies are all about embracing imperfection and letting your creativity shine. Plus, the unexpected mix of ingredients makes them a conversation starter – everyone will be asking for the recipe! But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make these cookies your own. For a richer, more decadent flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. Or, if you're a peanut butter lover, add a swirl of peanut butter to the batter before baking. You could even incorporate different types of candy, like M&Ms or Reese's Pieces, for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serving Suggestions: These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday parties. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent dessert. Or, package them up in cute little bags and give them as gifts to friends and family. They're also a great addition to any cookie platter or dessert table. And let's be honest, they're pretty amazing enjoyed straight from the cookie jar with a cold glass of milk! Variations to Explore: * Peanut Butter Bliss: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips and a swirl of peanut butter to the batter. * Dark Chocolate Decadence: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor. * Candy Craze: Incorporate M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, or other favorite candies into the mix. * Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor. * Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor. * Vegan Version: Substitute vegan chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter alternatives to enjoy a plant-based version. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of Cupid's Trash Can Cookies for yourself. I know you'll love the unique combination of flavors and textures, and I can't wait to hear what you think! So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination. Once you've made them, please share your experience with me! Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought of the recipe. Did you make any modifications? What was your favorite part? I'd love to hear all about it! And don't forget to share photos of your creations on social media using the hashtag #CupidsTrashCanCookies. I can't wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking!