Are you ready to bake the chewiest, most melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies you've ever tasted? Forget those flat, disappointing cookies – this recipe, using the magic of shortening, is your ticket to pure cookie bliss. It's a classic for a reason, and trust me, this homemade treat is unbelievably easy to make, perfect for quick dinner ideas or a satisfying weekend baking project. Get ready to experience the joy of delicious dishes made with love (and a little shortening!).
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Let's get started!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions: Let's Bake Some Magic!
Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden-brown, chewy chocolate chip cookies:
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Cream Together the Fats and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that signature soft texture. A stand mixer makes this step a breeze, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works perfectly too!
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
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Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For the best results, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin while baking. Chilling also intensifies the flavor!
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Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Baking Time: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them – ovens vary!
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips for Cookie Perfection
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. Cold butter will result in a less fluffy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is highly recommended for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts) to the dough.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie - Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 80-100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These easy recipes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen and the satisfaction of making these delicious homemade cookies from scratch. They're perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in a little bit of self-care. Happy baking!