THE BEST COOKIES IN THE WORLD

I don't have a lot of things that I really say "these are the best", but I have to say (please don't think I'm bragging), these cookies are the best!   I did not think up the recipe, nor can I take credit for the technique, but I have copied all those and turned it into one dog-gone good cookie!  The recipe is just from the back of the Nestle Semi-Sweet chocolate chip bag - "original chocolate chip cookie".  

2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips

However, I DO NOT use butter.  I use butter-flavored Crisco (Aldi's now has their version of it much cheaper!).  Plus, I always play around with the flour by possibly adding more -depending on how "sticky" the dough feels - if you can touch it and your finger comes away clean, it is ready!  If some dough sticks on it, add a bit more flour.  Plus, because I married a man who does not really like chocolate (don't judge him too harshly, he really is a great guy), I only add about 3/4 the called for amount of chocolate chips.
Now, the "best in the world" part:  use an ice cream scoop and make a big ball of dough - roll it around and put it on the baking sheet - you'll only get about 6 cookies per sheet.  I have to give credit for this idea to my BFF Shari, who is very gifted and talented in the domestic goddess field.  Bake them at 350 not 375, but before they're done, move them to the top rack for a couple of minutes.  These cookies are the best!  

At least that's what all my sons' friends told me back when they were in elementary school, and that's what my hub tells me.  For my self-esteem, I must believe it, so if you find out otherwise, please keep it to yourself!  :-)

Here are a few other tips I picked up from the Food Network or somewhere like that:
-put the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so before you bake them.
-do not over mix the dough once you've added the flour, or you'll see what "one tough cookie" is all about.

-take the cookies out about a minute before you they turn too brown-they continue to bake after they're out of the oven, especially if you use the baking stones.
-double the recipe - you'll be glad you did after everyone eats them up in the first 30 minutes.

-they always taste better the second day (this is my opinion).
(these are not that great of pictures, but you get the idea)


ENJOY!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:  Doing things (like making cookies) for others can totally make YOUR day!