I love the way these chocolate chip cookies turned out in the photograph. They almost look like a dream which is honestly how they taste. Okay yes, everyone has their own recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Maybe you found yours in a cookbook like I did or it was passed down from generation to generation. Regardless, every family has their own chocolate chip cookies recipe and in our house my kids have no idea what cookies are like when they are not made from scratch.
It breaks my heart to see tubes of cookie dough in the store. It breaks my heart even more when I see people buying them. It’s not just the desire to cut the amount of unhealthy chemicals from our diet or even the long-term financial benefits to cooking from scratch. What really motivates me to create a world for my kids, where chocolate chip cookies are made from flour, sugar, butter and chocolate chips is the bonding time that goes into the process. Yes, I’ve probably created mini food snobs in the process… little reflections of myself. Honestly though, I like to think that when my children grow older and have children of their own they will share these recipes and memories with them. The opportunity to guide a new generation of strong people, who care about the responsibilities of food and the relationships formed from food, brings me tremendous joy.
My dearest Emma from Emma’s Arts & Crafts made these delicious cookies in the photograph. Emma is my oldest girl and my right hand. She has watched me make these chocolate chip cookies since she was barely old enough to walk. When I’m working in the kitchen Emma will hand me something I need before I can even ask her for it. She is intelligent, attentive, and has a glowing personality. She is a rare gem that could never be replaced!
After years of watching me make chocolate chip cookies, Emma now whips them up like a professional for any occasion that deems appropriate. Winnie, who is beginning to steady herself on her feet, watches her move about the kitchen with mastered proficiency. She is yet another generation learning, remembering and cherishing these special memories. My girls bring me such joy! What a blessing!
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package of semisweet chocolate pieces (3 cups)
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until mixture is combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Stir in chocolate pieces.
- Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes about 60 cookies.
You are right to skip those tubes of dough and make the memories! My daughter who is grown now with a family or her own, told me one time she remembered making cookies with me in the kitchen and how the brown sugar always looked like a little sand castle when we added it in. That gave me a smile and it was nice to know she had memories of being together in the kitchen. Little Winnie will be working away in the kitchen with you before you know it!
What a great memory you share with your daughter!