Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Welcome to Ms. Nicolette's Pantry! So happy to have you here and in the kitchen with your kiddo adding something new to your lifestyle.

I have hand-picked recipes and activities that are easy for you to create at home with the help of your children. Based on their age you can decide which tasks they can help you with, and which ones they should let an adult do. Make this a learning experience for you both - let your child explore the baking/cooking process and explain each item, ingredient, and step to them, and watch how your child interacts!

February is upon us. Was it just me, or did January seem to take a long time to get through? Regardless, February brings your typical Valentine's Day goodies! This month I have the most simple and basic of recipes that will turn into a super-yummy treat! Only four ingredients, these cookies will blow your mind. Perfect for adults and kiddos alike, and perfect for a sweet Valentine's Day snack!

Tools Needed:

• Cookie pans

• Parchment paper

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups

• Hand mixer or spoon

• Medium cookie scoop

• Spatula

• Cooling rack

Ingredients:

• 1 box (approx. 15 ounces) strawberry cake mix

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Line two cookie pans with parchment paper. Set aside. Tip: to prevent parchment from rolling back up, lightly spray the corners of the pans with cooking spray and gently press the parchment paper down to stick.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until fully incorporated and there are no dry clumps of mix. Tip: kiddos love to help, especially when it comes to measuring ingredients and cracking eggs. Try cracking the eggs into a different bowl to avoid any eggshells.

4. Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips until just combined. Tip: it is vital to taste test a few mini chocolate chips, just to make sure they taste good! :)

5. Using the medium cookie scoop, form balls with the cookie dough.

6. Place the formed cookie dough balls onto the cookie pans, making sure they are at least 1-2 inches apart.

7. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. The middles will still be soft and will continue to cook as the cookies cool.

8. Remove from the oven, and remove from the pans with a spatula. Allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.

NOTES:

• Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for other fun inclusions if you'd like: white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, etc.

• Most food brands carry cake mixes that range from 14 to 16 ounces, but around 15 ounces is the most common. Any of these will be fine with the measurements I've provided!

• These cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze: first wrap in plastic wrap then store in a freezer bag to give an extra layer of protection from freezer burn.

• Remember to have fun and ENJOY!