We’re going to do a little imagery exercise, okay? Close your eyes. Wait. Don’t do that — keep your eyes open (you know, to read) but try to relax. Think about the kitchen of your fondest memories. It might be a grandparent’s kitchen, your mom’s kitchen, the kitchen of your best friend, your own kitchen with your kids, or even the kitchen from your local bakery because you can’t bake to save your life (it’s okay). Once you’ve snagged this image in your head, take a deep breath in — what do you smell (ugh…I *just* did this and I smell poop…I can’t escape the smell of poo in this house!)? Poop jokes aside, I almost always smell chocolate chip cookies when I try this exercise. They are the cookie of all cookies and you’ve probably seen a hundred variations of this classic recipe. I want to share my better than average husband’s recipe for better than average chocolate chip cookies that your whole family is sure to love!
A Cookie Classic
I’m not going to assume that chocolate chip cookies are the end-all-be-all of your cookie memories. However, I do think they elicit fond memories for a lot of people. But, why? What about the simple yet delicious chocolate chip cookie makes them a crowd favorite time and time again? It could be the feeling of the dough in your fingers when you snag a quick taste — a soft, sticky, and gooey delight. Or maybe it’s the familiar smell right before they are ready to come out of the oven — wafts of warm sugar and vanilla blended with that delectable hint of melting chocolate. Perhaps it’s the “who” behind the pan — a mom, dad, grandparent, or friend ready to share their craft of baking with you. I blame Cookie Monster.
No, really, I do. Look at that face. Cookie Monster is one of the best known characters of all time and while he doesn’t discriminate between cookie types — you would be hard pressed to find him without a chocolate chip cookie in his hand (or face for that matter). In fact, as I type, my three year old is sitting beside me, jabbering about “choca-cookies monsta!” Of course, she’s asking me for chocolate chip cookies, now.
Better Than Average Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- 1 Cup oil
- 3/4 Cup sugar
- 3/4 Cup brown sugar
- 1 Tsp vanilla
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tsp baking soda
- 2 1/4 Cup flour
- 1/2 Tsp salt
- 1/2 Bag chocolate chips
Mix ‘Em Up!
Derek can whip these up in fifteen minutes flat (including bake time). No joke, it’s pretty impressive. These cookies are a family favorite and I’ll usually catch Derek and the kids making them weekly. Derek is a fantastic baker and it’s fab that he loves making these cookies as much as I love eating them! Pre-heat the oven to 375. Let’s start by mixing together the oil, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until well blended. Then, add in the eggs, baking soda, flour, salt, and chocolate chips. Mix on medium until you’ve got a smooth blob of delicious dough in your bowl. This is the point when you take a break for snack time. Sometimes, our dough doesn’t even make it into the oven because it’s *that* good. If you still have dough left over after tasting, use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to place dough onto a greased baking pan. Derek prefers using an ice cream scoop to create perfectly round cookies. Put them in the oven for 8-10 minutes (lean on the shorter side).
Better Than Average Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Family Favorite
There is no doubt that as far as cookies go, these are better than average chocolate chip cookies that are simply delicious in their simplicity. We all need that little bit of warm vanilla sweet sugar and chocolate to help bring us back to those moments that make us feel at home. For me, chocolate chip cookies are a great way to connect with the things that make me feel cozy to my core. I’m pretty confident that our kids will remember making chocolate chip cookies with their dad (while stuffing themselves silly with dough) and it makes me happy to know that something so small can make a big impact on our souls.
Remember that imagery exercise a while back? Tell me about it — I want to know what you saw and smelled — who was with you — where were you? I hope it brought back good memories and helped you feel a little closer to home (& I hope you didn’t smell poop….). So go and laugh, bake, and eat until your heart is full. Until next time, peace, love, & light and for another delicious recipe, head on over here!
