5 Days of Cookies: Day 4 & 5

Here are two of my favorite cookie recipes. An old classic and a holiday family favorite!


Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 12-ounce package (2 cups) semisweet chocolate pieces
* 1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (filberts) (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl beat the shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Beat mixture until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in chocolate pieces and, if desired, nuts.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree F oven 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. Makes about 60 cookies.

Make-Ahead Tip: Bake and cool cookies completely. In an airtight or freezer container, arrange cookies in a single layer; cover with a sheet of waxed paper. Repeat layers, leaving enough air space to close container easily. Seal, label, and freeze up to 1 month.


Aunt Janie's Spice Drop Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1½ cups sifted all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup coconut
1 cup spicedrops, cut in small pieces.

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugars.
Add eggs and vanilla.
Beat well.
Sift dry ingredients.
Add to creamed mixture.
Add remaining ingredients.
Stir together.
Drop from teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet.
Bale at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Makes ~ 4 dozen.