Gluten free Chocolate Chip cookies

            “If you can’t change the world with chocolate chip cookies, how can you change the world?”—Pat Murphy

 

            “Number one, I absolutely love making chocolate chip cookies. I mean, it’s fun. It’s exciting. Beyond the fact that I love making them, I love eating them.”—Debbi Fields

 

“Mom, when are you making chocolate chip cookies? I want to help you,” stated my daughter, Madelyn, with a smile.

 

Certainly, Maddie does like helping me bake chocolate chip cookies, but I think she has an ulterior motive. To begin, there are the bags of chocolate chips. We like to mix both mini-chocolate chips with regular sized chips. Thus, both bags must be opened, measured out, and mixed together before adding them to the dough. Which means, of course, a quality control taste or two, or ten!

Then, there is the cookie dough. Ooey, gooey cookie dough filled with, yes, that’s right, chocolate chips. Now, I know what you may be thinking. I should not allow my child to eat unbaked cookie dough filled with raw eggs, right? I have certainly considered the danger; however, my mom allowed me to eat cookie dough, and I am well into my fifth decade of life! Furthermore, Maddie has been sampling cookie dough ever since she’s been old enough to help me. Neither of us has ever become sick afterwards. I mean, it’s not like we sit down and eat the whole bowl.  That said, I certainly understand if you choose not to eat raw cookie dough!
I grew up in a house where I ate nothing but homemade desserts. Store bought desserts were no-nos—at least until I was old enough to date a guy who worked for Keebler, but that is a different story entirely! I am not saying that my mom made dessert every day, but we did have made-from-scratch cakes, cookies, and sometimes pies at least one time per week.  

 

Once I was old enough to help my mom in the kitchen, you bet I volunteered. Why? Samples—that’s why! Sure, I could say it was because I loved to spend time with my mom, but sadly, that usually wasn’t my motive. A growling belly was all the motivation I needed!  Mom was always generous to allow me “lick” the beater or scrape the mixing bowl once finished, a.k.a., getting in her way!

 

It was a different time period too. I grew up eating three meals per day—not grazing all day long. Snacks were not heard of until I was in high school; and even then, it was only when my parents weren’t home. (My siblings and I would sneak in those after-school snacks before they arrived home from work whenever possible.) The idea, which we often heard was, “Don’t spoil your appetite”; or, “Don’t spoil your dinner.” Still, if left to supervise ourselves after school, we were certainly known to grab a spoonful of peanut butter or a slice of lunch meat/cheese.

 

Likewise, Mom did not cook separate food for picky eaters at meals. Either you ate what she prepared, or you’d eat at the next meal. Her philosophy was that none of us were going to starve over one missed meal. Sometimes, I think many of our kids today would benefit from this attitude, but again, that’s another story for another day.

 

Back to baking with Maddie . . . Since my mom allowed me to sample while she cooked, including eating that much maligned cookie dough, it was only natural that I permitted my daughter to do the same. In addition to saving the mixing beater for my daughter to “lick,” we also enjoy tasting the cookies right off the baking pan!

 

The traditional recipe that I follow, calls for cooling the cookies on the pan for two-three minutes before removing. Maddie and I have learned to respect this rule, otherwise the cookies fall apart. Then, we remove all of the cookies carefully and gently with a metal spatula and place on racks to cool. (We have learned to cover the cooling rack with paper towels for quicker clean-up.) After that, watch out! We have to sample at least one, or three, warm! Mmmm, this is when these cookies are best! Therefore, when serving these cookies, do not be afraid to warm them slightly before eating. It brings out the flavor of the butter and makes the chocolate melty.

 

Finally, yes, this recipe is full of shortening, butter, sugar, and white flour. I get that these are NOT the healthiest ingredients—and, if you’re vegan,  these are clearly not vegan. I offer no apologies; however, I do NOT make this recipe as part of my everyday diet. These cookies are made for special occasions, and likewise, fully savored and enjoyed!!! In my opinion, life is about balance. I eat a healthy, plant-based diet the vast majority of the year, so why not splurge from time to time. And, if I am going to splurge, I want real, quality ingredients.

 

I think my mom had it right. Save desserts for special occasions and make them yourself. And, take time to share the experience with your kid, spouse, or friend. By baking with another loved one, you add the secret ingredient that can enhance any cooking experiences . . .love.

 

From my home to yours, I wish you healthy, happy, and homemade food!

 

 

Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, (Reduce the flour if you prefer a crispier cookie.) & (I prefer Cup4Cup brand)

1-teaspoon baking soda

1-teaspoon salt

1 stick butter, softened

½ cup shortening

¾ cup packed dark brown sugar

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups chocolate chip (I prefer semi-sweet.)

Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts

 

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

In large mixing bowl with mixer, cream together butter, shortening, and both sugars until fluffy.

Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Beat in vanilla extract until creamy.

Gradually mix in flour mixture until well blended and thick.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 9-11 minutes or until golden, but NOT dark, brown.

Allow cooling on cookie pan for 2-3 minutes BEFORE gently removing with spatula onto wire racks to cool completely.

Once thoroughly cooled, store in airtight container.