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As the back-to-school season approaches, parents everywhere are bracing themselves for the whirlwind of early mornings, packed lunches, and after-school activities. Amidst the hustle and bustle, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house to bring a sense of warmth and joy. Enter the One-Pan Back to School Cookies—a delightful recipe designed to be both delicious and incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy families looking to create special moments together in the kitchen.

One-Pan Back To School Cookies

As the school year begins, delight your family with One-Pan Back to School Cookies! This simple recipe is perfect for busy parents looking to create sweet moments in the kitchen. Enjoy the warmth of freshly baked cookies made with wholesome ingredients that you can tailor to your family’s taste. Not only do these treats satisfy sweet cravings, but they also offer valuable bonding time with your kids. Bake together, share laughter, and make cherished memories with every batch.

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup chocolate chips (choose between milk or dark chocolate)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)

1/2 cup mini M&M’s (optional for extra fun)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an easy cleanup after baking.

    Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, roughly 2-3 minutes.

      Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the bowl one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully blended together.

        Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

          Incorporate Oats and Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, nuts (if using), and mini M&M’s (if desired) using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

            Scoop the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

              Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Enjoy: Serve the cookies while they’re warm, or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes

                      Total Time: 30 minutes

                        Servings: About 24 cookies

                          - Presentation Tips: For a fun touch, arrange the cookies on a colorful plate and sprinkle some extra mini M&M’s around them for a festive look perfect for back-to-school snacking.