Are you ready to bake the most irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies? Forget those flat, disappointing discs – this recipe, using the power of Crisco, guarantees perfectly golden-brown, chewy edges, and a soft, gooey center. It's a homemade cooking experience that will have everyone asking for more! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, delivering delicious dishes every time. It's the ultimate quick dinner dessert, a perfect treat for any occasion. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Crisco shortening
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a mix!)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream Together:
- In a large bowl, cream together the Crisco shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic happens! Using Crisco creates a wonderfully tender crumb. An electric mixer makes this step a lot easier.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Bring it All Together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Add Chocolate Chips:
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
Bake to Perfection:
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Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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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 – oven temperatures can vary!
Cool & Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Ultimate Cookie Success:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and helps create a smoother dough.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the dough.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chocolate chunks.
- Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 10-15mg
- Sodium: 50-70mg
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
This recipe delivers a truly satisfying homemade treat. Enjoy these deliciously easy, healthy meals (in moderation, of course!). These are the best recipes for satisfying your sweet tooth – and they’re perfect for sharing (or not!).