Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cranberries and Nuts

This recipe is my own creation. These cookies are a fancier version of the classic chocolate chip cookies. I used to make these for Grandpa. The recipe yields a lot of cookies, so Grandpa would store a batch in his freezer ad slowly eat them. Grandpa had specially requested cookies with nuts. When I was a kid, I did not like nuts in cookies, but I like them more and more now that I am older.

One secret of these cookies is the use of cinnamon. It adds a nice flavor, but does not overwhelm the cookie. I also prefer to use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These cookies also feature cranberries, which complement the sweetness of the chocolate chips. When I made these for Grandpa, I usually used chopped hazelnuts, but I did not have any on hand when I made this batch, so I used pistachios.

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cranberries and Nuts

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt 
• 1 package milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped nuts

In a large bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, egg, and cinnamon. Blend in flour, baking soda, and salt. Add chocolate chips, cranberries and nuts. Drop by the tablespoon onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8 minutes, or until edges just turn brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!