How to make Chocolate Chip Cookies you'll love

 Over the years I've baked cookies plenty of times. Most of the times, I didn't like the way they turned out because of the texture. The flavor is usually awesome, and there's really nothing like enjoying a fresh baked cookie right out of the oven. Even if they're too thick or cakey, you can't argue with the flavor and freshness. But I was tired of baking chocolate chip cookies that always turned out too thick and dense. I wanted more of a bakery style cookie with crispy edges and a gooey center. 

Since I had half of a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips in my pantry, I decided to Google a recipe and do some experimenting. To my disappointment I didn't have any brown sugar, and isn't that kind of a star ingredient in chocolate chip cookies? Well, yes, and you can actually make your own using 1 tablespoon of Molasses and one cup of granulated sugar. When I googled about making your own brown sugar, a chocolate chip cookie recipe also showed up, and I decided to use it. I'm not sure where the recipe originally comes from, all I know is the recipe was simple and that these cookies turned out really well and I'll forever be using this recipe. 

I also baked one test cookie first so I could get the baking time right. The recipe said to bake them for 9-11 minutes, and at that time the cookie was way underdone. I ended up baking the one cookie for 13 minutes and it was just right. The next two trays I baked for 15 minutes. That seems like a long time, but they turned out great! My mom actually recommended to bake a test cookie first, and she was right! Thanks, Mom! 

Another trick I tried was using parchment paper, which I don't always do, and I will probably always do now. Another thing I did differently this time was using softened butter that had been on my counter for a while. I usually just microwave my butter to soften it but letting it sit out on the counter for a long time is probably the best plan. I also only use Kerrygold butter now, from Ireland. I can taste the quality in this butter. You can buy it at Costco, and it costs less than purchasing it individually at the grocery store. 

This recipe is a basic Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, but you can adjust or add mix-ins like nuts, white chocolate chips, or add crushed up Oreo cookies. I topped some cookies with Oreos on a couple of my cookies before baking and they turned out so good! Peanut Butter, graham crackers, and chocolate candy pieces would also be delicious. 

I'm sure most people who love to bake have a tried-and-true chocolate chip cookie recipe already, but just in case, here is a simple one I found just from a quick Google search! 

Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1 cup granulated sugar with 1 T. Molasses to make brown sugar 

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1/4 teaspoon salt   

2 cups chocolate chips 

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with Parchment Paper. 

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. 

Mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.

Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt on low speed until just combined. 

Add the chocolate chips and stir until combined. 

I recommend baking a test cookie, so you'll know how long to bake them for. Start with ten minutes and add time as needed. 

I got around 18 cookies from this batch. My kids and I were happy with these, and I'll be baking them again soon! My sons will appreciate having some warm cookies as an after-school snack with some milk and fruit!