Chocolate Chip Cookies

(48)

This classic cookie is an updated version of the recipe that appeared in the 1941 edition of the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Bake Time:
8 mins
Total Time:
33 mins
Yield:
48 cookies

Get ready to make the best chocolate chip cookies from scratch. These easy chocolate chip cookies hold their shape and have a slight chewiness from the combo of butter and shortening. Butter adds exceptional flavor, and shortening keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Be sure to check out the included recipe variations: macadamia nut and white chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip cookie bars, giant chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate chip cookie pizzas. This chocolate chip cookie recipe has stood the test of time and will likely become one of your favorite recipes to make.

chocolate chip cookies

BHG / Cara Cormack

Ingredients

  • ½ cup shortening

  • ½ cup butter, softened

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

  • 2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 12 ounce package semisweet chocolate pieces (2 cups)

  • 1 ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (optional)

Directions

  1. beating butter for chocolate chip cookies

    BHG / Cara Cormack

    Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.

  2. mixing sugar into butter for chocolate chip cookies

    BHG / Cara Cormack

    Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Beat on medium 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.

    Test Kitchen Tip: Brown sugar is available in both light and dark varieties. Either works fine here. Light brown sugar is more subtle because it has less molasses. Dark brown sugar has a slightly more pronounced and complex flavor similar to caramel or toffee.

  3. adding eggs and vanilla to butter and sugar mixture

    BHG / Cara Cormack

    Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.

  4. adding flour to chocolate chip cookie mixture

    BHG / Cara Cormack

    Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.

  5. adding chocolate chips to cookie mixture

    BHG / Cara Cormack

    Stir in chocolate pieces and, if desired, nuts.

  6. chocolate chip cookie dough on baking sheet

    BHG / Cara Cormack

    Drop dough by small spoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

  7. baked chocolate chip cookies on sheet pan

    BHG / Cara Cormack

    Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned (cookies may not appear set). Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. Makes about 48 cookies.

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prepare as directed, except use a 1/4-cup dry measure or scoop to drop mounds of dough about 4 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° F oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Makes about 20 cookies.

Macadamia Nut and White Chocolate Cookies

Prepare as directed, except substitute chopped white baking bars or white chocolate baking squares for the semisweet chocolate pieces. Stir in one 3½-ounce jar macadamia nuts, chopped, with the chopped white baking bars or squares.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Prepare as directed, except press dough into an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake in a 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 48 bars.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizzas

Prepare as directed, except do not stir in chocolate pieces and nuts. Press half of the dough into an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Sprinkle half of the chocolate pieces and half of the nuts over the top, pressing in lightly. Repeat with a second ungreased 12-inch pizza pan and the remaining dough and toppings. Bake in a 375°F. oven about 15 minutes or until golden. Frost as desired. Cut each pizza into 8 wedges, then cut a circle through wedges halfway between the center and the edge of the pan. Makes 32 pieces total.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

125 Calories
6g Fat
17g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Calories 125
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 83mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 1g 2%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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