Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – Cookies Make a Great Homemade Gift!

Have you ever met anyone that doesn’t like cookies?? Use this cookie recipe to give a great edible homemade gift perfect for anytime of the year. Cookies are easy to give as a gift by putting them in a cookie jar or a basket. You could even give them in something as simple a plastic container that can be used after the cookies have been devoured. Dress the container up with ribbon or bows for a special touch.

Let me just say that for those of you who do not enjoy baking this gift is easy for you too. Grocery stores sell cookie dough in ready to bake forms. Pillsbury and Nestle Toll House are our favorites. If you are looking to mix your own cookies, my favorite recipe is the original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (I’ve added notes from my trial and errors in parentheses). It has never failed to please anyone on my list.

Ingredients
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened (I have used margarine and/or Crisco Butter Flavor All Vegetable sticks with success)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup PACKED brown sugar (make sure you pack the brown sugar)
1 tsp. vanilla extract (I always add about an extra 1/2 tsp. of vanilla)
2 large eggs
2 cups semi sweet Nestle Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts – optional (I have never made these cookies with nuts, but feel free to add for that special nut in your life)

First preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl and set aside. Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until creamy. (I normally do not use a mixer to blend these ingredients. My mom was old school and always hand beat or mixed cookies. I do know some that do use a mixer or beater – either way works fine). Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition (I beat each egg separately in a small bowl or measuring cup before adding to make it easier to mix with the batter). Gradually beat (or mix) in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets. (I used to always lightly greased my cookie sheets – I hate when cookies stick. For the last few years, I have always use Pampered Chef baking stones because they bake much better than baking sheets I’ve ever had. Send me an email if you would like info on current deals for Pampered Chef stones I use). Bake cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown (This is one of the most important steps. Because ovens vary, cooking time does also. The key is to take the cookies out of the oven before they get real brown – they may not even look like they are cooked all the way but trust me, another minute or two will cook them too much. Start by cooking them for 9 minutes and use trial and error by adding a minute each time till you find the perfect time for your oven). Cool cookies on baking sheet for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks (or parchment paper or aluminum foil) to cool completely.

This recipe can easily be doubled to make enough for you and your gift recipient.

Keep watch for some more posts of my favorite cookie recipes.