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luxurious cookie baking recipe

Indulgent Million Dollar Cookies

These Million Dollar Cookies feature a perfect balance of crisp edges and tender centers with a delightful vanilla aroma. The combination of two sugars creates a slightly caramelized flavor that makes them utterly irresistible. A simple sugar-pressed top gives them their signature look and delightful texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 27 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 175
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 cups shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar plus extra for pressing cookies
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract pure, not imitation
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Cookie sheets
  • Glass for pressing

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates tiny air pockets for perfect texture.
  2. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent tough cookies.
  6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and flour to hydrate.
  7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. Dip the bottom of a glass in sugar, then use it to flatten each cookie ball, creating the signature ridged top.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden while centers remain soft.
  11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a delicious variation, try adding chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, or chopped nuts to the dough. You can substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor, though the texture will be slightly different.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months - simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
For best results, don't skip the refrigeration step - it's key to developing the perfect texture and preventing excessive spreading during baking.