Chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate chip cookies

This was my daughter's first successful attempt at baking cookies. She wanted a treat for her Jazz band group for Valentines day and what better thing to bake for a bunch of teenagers than huge choc chips cookies - America's most favorite cookie. We used the recipe written at the back of the chocolate chips package. For sure this recipe is a keeper. It gives a chewy rich cookie with a soft center and caramelized edges. Make sure not to over bake. We did not add the nuts as it was for school.    

Ingredients: (Makes about 40-45 large cookies) 
(170 calories each with nuts)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)
1 cup chopped mixed nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds(optional)

1. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Keep aside.
2. In another bowl beat butter until smooth and creamy. Add the two types of sugars and beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes). You can use an electric or hand mixer.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla. You might need to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Now add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix until. The mixture might be too stiff or dough like at this point to use the mixer. So use a wooden spoon and mix by hand. Add the chocolate chips about half way through mixing. If you are using any nuts then mix them in now.
5. Cover and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile preheat oven to 375 F with rack in the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Drop about 2 tablespoons of dough (use an ice cream scoop for even size) onto the prepared baking sheets about an inch apart. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Cool completely on wire rack.