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#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together **flour**, **baking soda**, **baking powder**, **salt**, **cinnamon**, and **nutmeg**. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars**: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the **softened butter** with the **granulated sugar** and **brown sugar** until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the **eggs**, one at a time, and then add the **vanilla extract**, mixing well after each addition.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. **Fold in Add-ins**: Stir in the **chocolate chips**, **dried cranberries**, or **chopped nuts** (or whatever mix-ins you prefer). For a festive touch, you can also add **colored sprinkles** for decoration.
7. **Shape the Cookies**: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for about **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. **Cool**: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Enjoy**: Once cooled, enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite holiday beverage!
### Tips for Perfect Cookies
– **Chill the Dough**: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the flavor.
– **Don’t Overmix**: Be sure to mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
– **Customize the Add-ins**: Experiment with different combinations of **chocolate**, **toffee bits**, **dried fruits**, or even a dash of **sea salt** for a unique twist on the classic.
– **Storage**: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.
### Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
The beauty of these cookies lies in their **simplicity** and **universality**. While they have that classic holiday vibe, they’re also versatile enough to suit any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family Christmas party, gifting cookies to friends, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are the perfect addition to the festivities.
They’re also a great way to bring people together. There’s something magical about sharing homemade treats with loved ones, and I found that these cookies were the perfect conversation starters at every gathering. From the first bite to the last, they brought smiles to faces and joy to the holiday season.
### Conclusion
Baking **100 dozen cookies** was no small feat, but the reward was worth every minute spent in the kitchen. These holiday-inspired cookies quickly became the favorite sweet among family and friends, and they’re bound to become a staple in my baking repertoire for years to come.
If you’re looking to create your own holiday cookie tradition, this is the recipe to try. Whether you’re baking a few dozen or a hundred, these cookies will bring warmth, joy, and a **pearl white** smile to anyone who tastes them! Happy baking!
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