Adventures in Baking: Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am a cookie-lover.  Especially Chocolate Chip Cookies.  But I'm picky.  The only crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies that I like are Chips Ahoy! 

If they're homemade, I want them big and chewy and moist.  Not crunchy or small.  So...over the years I've tried several recipes and this is my favorite. 

I got the recipe out of a Taste of Home magazine years ago, and I've still not found a recipe to beat it!  You should try these!!!

They're big cookies  (more than 3 inches across and 1/2 inch thick) and yummy, and best when they're warm and fresh out of the oven.  Here's the recipe:

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

2/3 cup softened butter

2/3 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour*

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional and I never use!)

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening, and sugars.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add vanilla; mix well.  *I sometimes use whole wheat flour, or half whole wheat, half white...to make them healthier, you know - 'cause that's real important in a chocolate chip cookie!

Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl; add to creamed mixture.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

Drop by rounded tablespoons (I use a medium scooper...probably more like 2 tablespoons) onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake for at 350° 10-11 minutes (or 13-15 minutes for the big ones) or until golden brown.  Cool on wire rack.  Yields 6 1/2 dozen (or 3 dozen huge ones).