Mmmmmm, can you smell that? It’s the official smell of San Antonio holidays. It’s fresh tamales, your mom’s famous spinach dip, and your uncle’s out-of-this-world smoked brisket all coming together at the family holiday event, and you’re about to be stuffed to the max. This is a welcome feeling, though. You’ve been waiting for this moment for 364 days.
Recipes can be handed down from generation to generation. They are sometimes handwritten in scribbly cursive, or maybe typed to perfection and personalized for show. Regardless, they hold the key to years past, because when we take the time to make a timeless recipe, we invoke memories. No, it’s not just the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos creating that warm feeling in your heart. Research shows that tasting or smelling a handmade, old-fashioned recipe can trigger those feelings more powerfully than most other senses. According to the Harvard Press, “Our evolved psychology may make food one of the more likely things in the environment around which memories are formed and focused.” What better way to spread the holiday spirit through food than with this amazing holiday cookie recipe from Instagrammer and cooking extraordinaire, @dianemorrisey.
Browned Butter Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
1 stick butter browned and cooled to room temperature
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
6 oz. dark chocolate-cut into chunks
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 tsp flaky salt
*
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, stirring nearly continuously. Butter will melt, then begin to foam. It will then begin to turn golden brown and smell nutty. As soon at the butter begins to turn brown, take the pan off the heat, and continue to stir for about 1 minute. Transfer butter to a small bowl, making sure to scrape the sides of the pan to get ALL of the butter.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Add the butter to a large mixing bowl and cream with the sugar until fully combined, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in another bowl with a whisk to combine. Add to the wet ingredients and Mix until just combined.
With a spatula, fold in the dark chocolate, dried cranberries, and fresh cranberries.
Refrigerate dough for at least one hour 1 hour.
Use a medium-sized cookie scoop to form cookies. Bake at 350ºF for 11 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
