Indulge in the delightful fusion of Mediterranean olive oil goodness and sweet chocolate with our Homemade Chocolate Chip Lemon Infused Olive Oil Cookies. These cookies are a celebration of Puglia, Italy's finest extra virgin olive oil, known for its exceptional quality and certified organic nature. We've taken this liquid gold and combined it with the rich, comforting taste of chocolate chips to bake a unique and unforgettable treat. Not only do these cookies taste heavenly, but olive oil baking also offer a healthier alternative to traditional butter-based recipes. 

Homemade Chocolate Chip Lemon Infused Olive Oil Cookies are versatile delights that can be relished on a variety of occasions. In the charming tradition of Italian breakfasts, you can pair these cookies with your morning espresso or cappuccino for a sweet and satisfying start to your day. They also make a delightful addition to a tea break. Beyond these Italian-inspired moments, these cookies are perfect for any time you crave a delightful treat. 

Ingredients (approx. 30 cookies)

- 1/2 cup lemon infused olive oil (certified organic)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon infused olive oil and brown sugar until well combined.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the olive oil mixture, and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.

8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Orange Infused Twist: you can replace the lemon infused olive oil with orange infused olive oil.

Nutty Crunch: Mix in a half cup of chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts to add a delightful crunch to your cookies.

With these variations, you can turn your Homemade Chocolate Chip Olive Oil Cookies into a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.