Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (for the Fall version) OR 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for the Christmas version)
- Optional: White chocolate chips or festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures the bottoms of your cookies don’t brown too quickly. Gather all your ingredients and ensure your butter is soft enough that an indent remains when you press it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat again until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. If you are making the “Fall” version, whisk in the pumpkin pie spice now. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- If you are making the “Christmas” version, gently fold in the crushed candy canes or white chocolate chips using a spatula. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (about 1.5 ounces each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly soft and underbaked. Remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes. This “carry-over cooking” finishes the centers while keeping them soft. Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes