Are you craving a warm, gooey chocolate cookie that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This recipe utilizes the magic of Crisco to create melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cookies that are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cookies with this easy and incredibly satisfying recipe. These quick dinner dessert ideas are perfect for satisfying a sudden craving or impressing guests!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Crisco shortening, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened Crisco and sugar until light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works perfectly for this step. If using a hand mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them – ovens can vary!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cookies:
- Softened Crisco: Make sure your Crisco is truly softened. This ensures that it creams well with the sugar, resulting in a light and airy texture. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts, but be careful not to melt it.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, or even add chopped chocolate bars for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha-flavored twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-18g
Enjoy these delightful Crisco chocolate cookies! They are a simple pleasure that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for any occasion – from a cozy night in to a casual gathering with friends, these easy recipes for healthy meals are sure to impress! These delicious dishes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them some of the best recipes you'll ever try.