Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie? Forget store-bought – today, we’re diving into the delicious world of homemade cookies, specifically, those made with Crisco. Yes, Crisco! While butter is a classic choice, Crisco offers a unique texture and delightful crispiness that will elevate your chocolate chip cookie game. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, resulting in a batch of cookies that are undeniably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food, made with a simple twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Crisco shortening, softened
- 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 semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened Crisco, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer, making this a quick dinner idea or after-school treat. Be sure your Crisco is properly softened; room temperature is ideal.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: 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. Enjoy your warm, delicious, and perfectly crisp chocolate chip cookies!
Tips for the Best Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Softened Crisco is Key: Ensure your Crisco is properly softened for optimal creaming. If it's too hard, the cookies will be tough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the dough.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These Crisco chocolate chip cookies are a simple, delicious, and satisfying treat – perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, providing a healthy alternative to store-bought cookies with homemade cooking ease. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen and the taste of these perfectly baked cookies. They are a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Try this recipe today and experience the delightful difference Crisco can make!