My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

I know everyone has their favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies - but I decided to give you mine, with a few tips and reasons why!

I like to use 1/2 shortening and 1/2 butter as this helps the cookies to keep their shape and not spread out as much. Have you ever had totally flat cookies? Probably because the butter was softened too much....the butter must be at room temperature NOT melted in the microwave to soften. I assumed everyone knew this, until a family member "borrowed" my recipe.  She said that they turned out flat - we just talked a little longer and realized that she melted the butter as when she wanted to make the cookies immediately but  her butter was just coming out of the fridge. When get my butter out of the fridge, I rush the process by cutting the butter into small sizes and putting it in the mixer's bowl.  Before you know it - it's ready to use :)

As you know I have been baking for a family of 7 and so now with only 3 of us at home....I am having a terrible time making too much food for dinner and my baking is getting stale!!

Here is my solution!  I took 2 cookies and filled them with ice cream and then wrapped them in foil and FROZE THEM!!! Now you have another delish dessert for later :)

1/2 c butter, room temperature
1/2 c shortening
3/4 c white sugar
3/4 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 c flour
2 c chocolate chips (but I usually add more)
Mix butter, shortening and sugars well - at least 5 minutes until it is light and fluffy. Add eggs and mix together.  Add all dry ingredients, just until combined - don't overmix once flour is added. Mix in chocolate chips. Use rounded ice cream scoops to drop onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 350 for 8-10 minutes.  ENJOY ♥ and don't forget to share OR freeze a few to enjoy later.