Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

With the gift-giving season upon us (along with Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and looser clothing choices), I wanted to take a moment and share my all-time favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe with you. Occasionally, I make giant batches of these cookies to share with neighbors, coworkers, and church groups. As a child, I loved baking this recipe and bringing in about 30 twist-tied packages with red ribbon finishes to my friends at school. I carried on this tradition throughout my teenage years and now make small little tags and stickers attached to the cookie bags, when I think of it. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Note: Please keep in mind that if your kitchen gets warm quickly - as mine does - make it a point to refrigerate the dough between batches. That way, the cookies keep their shape better. Also, feel free to double or triple this batch if you have friends who like cookies. 

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Adapted from Nestle Toll House Cookie recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 

1 cup Milk Chocolate Morsels 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Here are some photos of the process: